Corn Growers Progress in Pierre

The South Dakota Corn Growers Association board directors and staff gathered at the state capitol on Wednesday and Thursday to meet with legislators to discuss current topics and legislation.

81 legislators joined the Corn Growers and the American Coalition for Ethanol on Wednesday night at View 34 in Pierre for “An Enchanted Evening with Ag and Energy.” An event sponsored by the two organizations to show their appreciation for the state’s lawmakers.

“We appreciate the commitment, leadership and passion for public service shown by our South Dakota officials,” said Teddi Mueller, SDCGA’s legislative and industry affairs director. “There are a number of important issues facing our state and we recognize all the extra work and long hours that have been put in this session.”

“We have established great relationships with a number of South Dakota legislators, but staying in touch is key and this event gives our directors an opportunity to meet with them in a relaxed setting,” said SDCGA’s new president-elect, Mark Gross, a farmer and rancher from Bridgewater, SD. “With agriculture being our state’s number one industry, our policy makers want to know where corn farmers stand on the issues.”

On Thursday, the SDCGA directors held their February board meeting in Pierre. Directors also sat in on committee hearings including the House and Senate Ag and Natural Resources.

“Having a presence in Pierre is an important part of the South Dakota Corn Grower’s efforts in best representing our membership,” said Gross. “We are here as the voice for not only our membership, but all of the state’s corn farmers.”