Welcome to the latest issue of the Prairie Steward. This is my first report as SSCA president. After spending last year on the executive as first vice president I have moved up to the president's position. I am looking forward to working with the Board, field staff and Head office in the coming year. I have been on the SSCA board since February of 1994 and am convinced this is the best grassroots conservation association to belong to.
Welcome aboard to the following new board members: Tim Island (Southwest); John Clair (Northwest); Perry Leach (Director at Large); and Gary Kachanoski (Director at Large). I hope your terms on the board are rewarding.
The SSCA staff deserves a lot of credit for the time and effort they put into getting our best ever annual conference and trade show organized. We had to refuse registrations this year because we could not put any more people into the facilities at our disposal. I feel the attendance record we set this year speaks highly about the quality of the information we as an association are providing to the producers. We had excellent support from industry at the trade show end of our conference. There were over 80 exhibitors at the trade show.
We are partners in a new venture with Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation (IHARF). This venture is based on a 307 acre farm a few miles out of Indian Head. Its main focus will be precision farming. SSCA's role in this project will be to get the information that is generated out to producers through our extension programs. This farm will produce some preliminary information about precision farming in two years time.
The SSCA membership is growing. We now exceed 1400 members. Membership has many advantages. First of all, it makes you part of a very dynamic association. Secondly, it entitles you to receive our newsletter (Prairie Steward) several times a year. Thirdly, it provides you with reduced fees when you attend SSCA functions. In fact if you take advantage of the three year membership ($100) and attend all of the SSCA events during those three years you will save $90. This means the membership cost you only $10(based on current membership benefits). Remember a strong organization carries more clout when it comes to dealing with soil conservation issues. Please encourage your friends and neighbors to join the SSCA and while you're at it remember to renew yours as well.
I wish everyone a safe and healthy spring season.