Vermillion area farmer Jerry Schmitz, formerly President of the South Dakota Soybean Association is the group’s new Executive Director. One of the first things he wants to do will likely happen in February and that’s to begin a thorough strategic planning process for the organization.
He says its critical the soybean industry work closely with the state’s livestock producers and all facets of agriculture on common goals and issues.
Schmitz says his group also wants to help growers get through the tough economic times they’re experiencing and will be offering some programs at their upcoming Ag outlook meeting in December to assist them.
Schmitz says he’s always wanted to be an advocate for agriculture and says although farmers and ranchers are presently facing tough challenges sees those as opportunities going forward.
