Give Strength to Your Voice
When it comes to influencing legislation, there is strength in numbers. When our membership grows, so does your voice in Pierre and Washington, D.C. Because the soybean checkoff is prohibited by law from lobbying, SDSA works to ensure that sound policies are in place to enhance the future of soybean farming.
Invest your support in the group that works hardest for you. You know the South Dakota Soybean Association has the best interest of soybean farmers at heart because it’s governed by soybean farmers. We know the real life challenges farmers face and take that strong message to state and federal government.
Members of the SDSA are automatically also members of our affiliated national group, the American Soybean Association. Your SDSA/ASA combined membership will let you focus on running your business with the peace of mind that a strong association is working on your behalf in Pierre and Washington.
Please add your voice to our organization by selecting one of the following membership levels.
What’s in it for you? SDSA fights for farmer members in many areas:
Profitability
In the past five years, no one has put more time and money into being a positive influence on legislation that impacts the profitability of soybean producers than the South Dakota Soybean Association (SDSA) and our affiliated national group, the American Soybean Association (ASA). We are respected in both Pierre and Washington and have favorably influenced ag policy and ag finance for many years. Your membership ensures that will continue.
Biodiesel
SDSA strongly supports the development and use of biodiesel. Biodiesel will move large surpluses of soybean oil off the market, creating higher prices for soybeans, which means more revenue for South Dakota farmers. Thanks to our members, SDSA is advancing legislation in Pierre and Washington to dramatically expand this market.
A 2 percent biodiesel blend would result in the consumption of 700 million gallons of biodiesel nationally and increased revenue of 15 cents per bushel, according to experts.
Farm Bill
SDSA and ASA fought hard during the 2002 Farm Bill debate to ensure soybean farmers were treated fairly. The bill increased the safety net for soybean producers by 33 cents, from $5.25 per bushel to $5.58 per bushel. As a result of this increase, soybean farmers received on average an extra $1,300 for every 100 acres farmed. We continue to prepare to be strong advocates for soybean producers in upcoming Farm Bill debates.
Domestic Livestock
The fate of the American livestock industry and soybean producers are directly linked. As our largest customer, livestock consume more than 1.4 billion bushels of U.S. soybeans each year — about half of total U.S. soybean production. SDSA advocates for clear, consistent and reasonable regulations that will allow livestock to grow and thrive in South Dakota and around the country.
Exports
Every other row of soybeans in South Dakota is exported each year. The SDSA and ASA think we can do even better and are working with other farm advocacy groups to reduce barriers that restrict soy and meat exports. Beyond that, SDSA and ASA manage the world’s only international soy market development program, which is responsible for promoting U.S. soy exports to more than 80 countries.
Membership questions? Call 605-330-0278.