- Government
Affairs
SDAC works with
the South Dakota legislature, state regulatory and administrative agencies,
and South Dakota Congressional delegation to secure laws and interpretations
that will protect and guide cooperatives, yet not cause economic hardships.
The association has been instrumental in securing changes that have saved
cooperatives thousands of dollars by maintaining exemptions, clarification
of definitions, fee reductions and prevention of unfavorable legislation
before it is introduced.
SDAC's image and
respect have been elevated to that which we are asked to give input into
decisions affecting state policy in many areas. This has come about through
the dedicated work of member co-ops, the board, and staff.
SDAC has gone from
a position of always fighting unfavorable legislation and policy to one
of being able to guide and change that which is unfavorable to cooperatives.
Legislative activity
takes place outside the legislative session, and SDAC plays an active
role attending and testifying at the legislative interim committee and
agency hearings.
- Public Relations
and Education
SDAC public relations
and education programs include Future Farmers of America, 4-H and youth
involvement in the National Institute for Cooperative Education.
Special events and
activities, like October Co-op Month, the Hall of Fame Induction Banquet,
AgFest and Co-op Day at the Legislature, all help raise public awareness
of the important role cooperatives play in South Dakota's economy.
SDAC also serves
as a link to provide the cooperative viewpoint to farm organizations,
commodity groups and non-ag organizations ... contributing ideas and concerns
when interests parallel.
Presently, SDAC represents
the cooperatives of South Dakota on the following boards:
- Certified Crop
Advisory Board
- Value Added Development
Center
- Ag Unity
- South Dakota Highway
Users
- Association of
State Cooperative Councils
- South Dakota Rural
Development Council
- National Council
on Agriculture, Research, Extension and Teaching
- Veterinarian Advisory
Board
- Communication
SDAC believes that
effective cooperation depends on an alert and informed membership.
Newsletter and manager
updates keep members and other co-op leadership in tune with the changes
at the state and national levels. SDAC's annual meeting is designed to
give members a long-range and complete view of the issues and trends.
Plus, it is a great place for members to meet and discuss issues of common
interest.