By Ryan Rhoades, OSA Membership Co-Chair

Between an ongoing trade war with China and the record-setting rain this spring, it’s been tough to catch a break. And I get it — when you’re looking at your budget and you have to make cuts, your memberships are probably going to be one of the first things to go. I serve as the Membership Committee Co-Chair for the Ohio Soybean Association (so I may be a little biased) but let me tell you why YOU are important to OSA and why your membership matters.

1. STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

Let’s face it: one person, acting alone usually has limited impact in any situation (unless you’re Bill Gates, Joanna Gaines or the President). But power and strength come from numbers. Your membership gives OSA the tools and resources to be able to mobilize Ohio’s soybean farmers.

Here’s a recent example — earlier this summer, the Mayor of Toledo made comments about Ohio farmers’ response to phosphorus runoff in the Western Lake Erie Basin. These comments didn’t sit well with a lot of farmers so OSA took action. We created a coordinated campaign inviting Mayor Kapszukiewicz to visit a farm and see best management practices firsthand.

Unsurprisingly, the mayor declined our invitation, but the campaign gained significant attention on social media, various news media and even among some legislators. Your membership helps bring together people on specific issues and give them access to resources and advocacy.

2. A UNIFIED VOICE

Membership doesn’t only provide strength in numbers, but it’s also a unified voice when it comes to advocating for public policy. In 2018, the initial payment Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payment for soybeans was $1.65 per bushel. Almost every other commodity received a payment under one dollar. This was because of the pressure our members and the American Soybean Association (ASA) in Washington, D.C., put on Congress and the Administration.

Now, I know you’re thinking, “But this trade war is still going on.” That’s why it’s more important now than ever for a strong membership base. We need that strength in numbers and a unified voice to continue to apply and ramp up the pressure to get our markets back.

3. RAISING VISIBILITY

While we figure out the current situation, we also need to keep an eye on the future. Are we positioned for the next challenge? I’m a dad to four kids and I want to secure a future for them. As a fourth-generation farmer, I want them to have the opportunity for my kids to become the fifth generation. Your membership helps us build a solid foundation for the next generation of soybean farmers by allowing us to advocate for policies and legislation that ensure a growing and profitable soybean industry. We represent our members at both the state and federal levels to raise the visibility of Ohio’s soybean farmers.

Sometimes what DOESN’T happen is just as important as what does. Think back to the end of last year — the outgoing governor wanted to enact water quality regulations that placed an undue burden on Ohio’s farmers. OSA responded by teaming up with our agriculture friends and put a stop to it. We went to every stakeholder involved, every hearing, every meeting to make sure soybean farmers were heard. We reinforced that Ohio farmers have already taken many steps toward helping solve this issue and remain committed to being partners in improving water quality in Ohio. You know what happened? The regulations didn’t pass. Instead, agriculture started working with researchers and environmental groups on a solution.

YOUR MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

I know all those free hats are great and who doesn’t love a coupon? But what do your membership dollars really get you? Time. Your time is limited. Farmers are some of the busiest people I know. I, along with other farmer leaders from across the state, serve on the Board of Trustees for OSA to represent you and your interests. We take time away from our families and businesses to travel to Columbus and Washington, D.C., to advocate for you and we’re happy to do it. We do it because we know what it means to our industry and our fellow farmers about making sure our voices are heard in Washington, D.C.

It’s been a bumpy ride and I can’t tell you when things are going to get better. What I do know is that we need members like you to be engaged in the process. Help us raise the bar for what it means to be a member. Help us give a voice to Ohio’s soybean industry. Learn more about becoming an OSA member.