WHY MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

In an industry that is seeing more and more scrutiny from consumers and competitors, isn’t it great to know there is an organization that is constantly involved in the policy that affects soybean farmers? The South Dakota Soybean Association has a seat at the table when policymakers at the state and national level discuss topics vital to our right to farm.

Since I became a member and got involved with the Soybean Association a few years ago, my appreciation for the organization and the work that they do has grown tremendously. I have seen firsthand the respect that policymakers give to this group because they know that we represent a vast array of soybean farmers from across the state. It is impressive to see legislators reach out to us and ask what our stance is on a specific topic because they want to have the support of this group. However, it’s important to keep in mind that individual members make up the organization. By using the platform of the collective number of Association members, any single member can have their voice be heard. In my opinion, that is the greatest value of joining the South Dakota Soybean Association.

To participate in these important lobbying efforts, we would like your support in our mission to improve the lives of soybean farmers across South Dakota. The Soybean Association is partly funded by membership dues that make it possible to attend legislative gatherings, help draft legislation, and meet with our elected officials in Washington, D.C. and Pierre. By becoming a member, you help us not only financially, but you help our collective voice carry more weight when legislators see that we have a larger number of individuals supporting our cause. In addition to the benefits I have mentioned above, added member benefits can be found on the SDSoybean.org website.

We would greatly appreciate you joining our cause to help soybean farmers across the state be more profitable and protect our right to farm. Thank you for your consideration, and feel free to contact the office or an association board member to answer any questions you may have about joining this great organization!

Brent Greenway Treasurer and District 1 Representative South Dakota Soybean Association