b'Finding Common Groundwith New RepresentativesLast signed into law in 2018, this year the farm bill is up for discussion with major policy discussions currently underway in Washington, D.C.Lisa KopochinskiOVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS,the agriculture industrythe American Soybean Association (ASA), which represents U.S. has weathered price volatility, processing gluts, natural disas- soybean farmers on domestic and international policy issues. ters, heavy input costs and more.With offices in St. Louis, Mo., and Washington, D.C., the ASA has The new farm bill this year provides an opportunity for the26 affiliated state associations representing 30 soybean-produc-industry to gain traction, stability and predictability for agricul- ing states and more than 500,000 soybean farmers.ture policy. This makes it even more imperative for companiesTake the opportunity to meet new members of Congress and industry associations to build successful relationships withand their staff because there are so many this year. Make sure new representatives. that new members of Congress, as well as seasoned members of Congress and their staff, know who you are and [are aware Building Relationships of] your presence in D.C. and across the nation. Staff turnover is Be at the table or be on the menu, says Laura Wood, whenhigh, so this is an ongoing effort.asked what goes into building successful relationships with newSeyfert recalls that when she looked back at the last post-representatives. election environment, the ASA immediately encouraged board Connection requires outreach to new members key staffmembers to start the relationship building process with policy-in D.C. or in their home states. Listen to what their priorities are,makers. And that continued when new members took office in relate to those priorities, and follow up with helpful information.January.Understanding leadership and committee assignments is essen- Reach out and let them know who you are and that you are a tial, adds Wood, who serves as president of LWP Consultingresource, she says. Weve also taken time in this new Congress and manages the National Coalition for Food and Agriculturalto encourage board members to offer to host congressional Research (NCFAR), which brings together food, agriculture,visits, farm site visits, and participate in town halls to ensure there nutrition, conservation and natural resource stakeholders tois a presence. We want them to understand the importance of serve as a forum and unified voice supporting increased federalsoybeans and agriculture to the state or district.investment in USDA research, education and economics. Bart Fischer also understands the importance of making With the onset of the 118th Congress on Jan. 3, Wood knowsstrong connections. He is co-director of the Agricultural & Food the pulse of Washington by staying in contact with key membersPolicy Center (AFPC) at Texas A&M University which is known of Congress and staff. across the country for having conducted farm-level policy analy-In a recent introductory meeting with a new members office,sis for Congress for the past 40 years. we identified key issues of interest that aligned with our clientsPrior to his current position, he served as chief economist needs and followed up with briefings and materials, continuingof the House Agriculture Committee under the leadership of a conversation that will go into the farm bill and appropriationsChairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Chairman Mike Conaway processes. This type of outreach is critical for building relation- (R-TX) from 2011 to 2019. ships and moving toward achieving objectives. Committee staff are in a unique role because, while we When it comes down to it, relationship building with newadvise the chairman, we are often called on to meet with individ-policymakers is critical says Christy Seyfert, executive director ofual members of Congress to provide background on key policy 6/ SEEDWORLD.COMJUNE 2023'