Soybean industry gathers to discuss improvement opportunities

Discussions were held this week between the American Soybean Association (ASA) and state soybean association staff in St. Louis in order to collaborate on how to strengthen the soybean industry.

ASA CEO Steve Censky led discussions on implementing ASA’s strategic plan, member engagement, policy issues and communications. ASA staff spoke on the new fiscal year 2017 communications and marketing plans to ensure state staff and growers have sufficient communication between each other and the importance of the value of the soybean industry.

Also important in the discussions was the recognition of several states that met 2016 membership goals, including Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Tennessee.

ASA will continue to keep their primary mission of advocating for U.S. soy farmers on trade and policy, but a new strategic plan that took effect at the beginning of the month provides for more flexibility in membership -- and more resources for policy work.

FMC and Monsanto, who sponsored the annual meeting, sent representatives to update attendees on their respective companies.