Fourth-generation farmer Scott Stahl was tapped at the new South Dakota Corn Growers Association president for 2021.

Scott Stahl, president, South Dakota Corn Growers

Stahl farms near Emery, S.D., alongside his father and uncle, raising corn, soybeans and oats. They also run a feedlot, cow-calf operation and a custom fertilizer business.

Stahl, who served as SDCGA board vice president, says his focus for the 2021 board will be to pursue further market development opportunities for high-octane, low-carbon fuel, and to seek compensation for farmers’ environmental efforts. “I think it’s critical for SDCGA to be a collective voice to policymakers on local, state and federal levels,” Stahl says. “Because if we don’t tell our story, someone else will — and they may not have our best interests in mind.”

Lead through example

The McCook County farmer says in his area, he would like to provide avenues for end users of their product to thrive, including ethanol plants, livestock facilities and rail transportation.

Stahl has also been part of the market development action team with the National Corn Growers Association, working on Capitol Hill to support and promote free trade. He is also a member of the Syngenta Executive Business Council.

“By helping increase demand that leads to profitability, I’m honored to represent the best part of South Dakota, and want to help sustain rural communities and family farms across the entire state,” Stahl says.

In addition to farming, Stahl is a youth sports coach, serves on his church’s deacon board and is an Awana leader. He and his wife, Amanda, are raising five children on their farm.

Stahl was elected during the SDCGA annual meeting on Dec. 8.

Joining Stahl in leadership roles on the board are Travis Strasser, Wilmot, as vice president; and Dave Ellens, Madison, as secretary-treasurer. “I’m excited to step into a leadership role with South Dakota Corn to help our state’s corn farmers be more profitable and successful, because that’s why we’re all here,” Ellens says.

First time in service

The state is divided into nine districts for representation. The SDCGA board of directors consists of 12 producers who are elected by fellow South Dakota corn producers from their respective districts.

The SDCGA board has two new members for 2021 — Travis Mockler of Centerville and Austin Hillestad of Volga.

Hillestad says he looks forward to being involved on a board dedicated to policy issues. “Day-to-day uncertainty on what the government will do next is one of the biggest challenges we face as corn farmers,” he explains.

Source: The South Dakota Corn Growers Association,which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.