The American Soybean Association (ASA) and state soybean association staff met in St. Louis this week for discussion on the implementation of ASA’s strategic plan, member engagement, policy issues and communications.

The annual State Staff meeting kicked off with ASA CEO Steve Censky leading discussion on how ASA and state affiliates can work together to be more effective in policy, training and communications.

ASA staff provided an overview of the new Fiscal Year 2017 communications and marketing plans, including presentations on new tools implemented this year to help ensure state staff and growers have what they need to effectively communicate the importance and value of the soybean industry.

Several states were recognized for meeting their membership goals for 2016, including Alabama; Arkansas; Kentucky; Minnesota; North Dakota; South Dakota; and Tennessee.

During the meeting, staff shared best practices and discussed ways to work together at the national and state level as changes are made to align with the new strategic plan.

While ASA’s mission remains the same, advocating for U.S. soy farmers on policy and trade, the new strategic plan in effect as of Oct. 1, allows states more flexibility in membership and ASA more resources to devote to policy work.

Sponsoring the annual meeting this year was FMC and Monsanto.  Both Rick Kesler, from FMC, and Mindy Whittle, from Monsanto, updated the crowd on what’s new at their companies and gave time for questions.