Press Release

Contact: Sarah Tveidt, Communications Director, 605.330.0278

The South Dakota Soybean Association looks forward to 2016 with newly elected directors and leadership. The South Dakota Soybean Association (SDSA) welcomes Jeff Thompson (Colton) from District 3 and Doug Hanson (Elk Point) in an At-Large position. Thompson and Hanson were elected to the board by SDSA members at the SDSA Annual Meeting in December.

Thompson raises soybeans and corn on his farm near Colton. Thompson has been farming for over 30 years, and is a graduate of South Dakota State University with a degree in mechanized agriculture. He is also a Class 7 participant of the South Dakota Ag and Rural Leadership program.

Hanson grows soybeans, corn, wheat and alfalfa on his farm near Elk Point. Hanson has been farming for the past 44 years, and previously served on the board of directors for the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council.

The South Dakota Soybean Association also welcomes Josh Kayser of Emery as the 2015 Young Leader Representative. The American Soybean Association/DuPont Young Leader program is designed to develop leadership skills and highlight issues impacting agriculture today. As part of the Young Leader program, Kayser has the opportunity to serve on the SDSA board for up to three years.

Members of SDSA elected Jerry Schmitz, farmer from Vermillion, as their new President. Schmitz replaces retiring president, John Horter from Andover, who completed his term as president in December.

“As your newly elected president, I am excited for the opportunity to craft policy which incentivizes every farmer’s ability to produce safe and affordable food, fiber and fuel while protecting our valuable natural resources for future generations,” Schmitz shared.

The South Dakota Soybean Association also reelected John Krutzfeldt, farmer from Wolsey, as First Vice President. Colin Nachtigal, a farmer from Harrold, was elected as Second Vice President, Horter was elected for the Treasurer position and Jon Schaeffer, a farmer from Viborg, was elected as Secretary.

The South Dakota Soybean Association is a grassroots, farmer-led organization. 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. SDSA works on behalf of its members to positively impact regulatory and legislative issues on a local, state and national level. The organization is governed by a board of 13 volunteer, farmer leaders who are elected by members.

Visit www.sdsoybean.org for a complete list of directors and more information about SDSA.