If the cost of having an organization defend your livelihood was less than a quarter a day, would it be worth it? For Minnesota soybean farmers, this scenario is a reality and Rob Tate, a corn and soybean farmer near Cannon Falls, doesn’t hesitate to invest in the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA).

“The cost of a membership doesn’t cost that much out of your pocket, especially if you think about it relative to the value of the crop you’re growing,” said Tate, who also works as a crop insurance agent. “It’s a fraction of the value.”

Tate, who sits on the Minnesota Corn Growers Association board of directors, doesn’t have to think twice about supporting agriculture organizations.

“Through organizations like MSGA, we are able to have a stronger voice,” he said.

Farmers are busy people and adding one more task to the list may seem overwhelming. But that’s the beauty of MSGA. By joining, MSGA speaks up for farmers in St. Paul and Washington D.C., so that producers can keep farming.

“Why wouldn’t you want to be part of the organization that helps advocate for you on things that are important to growing soybeans?” said Tate, who has two sons with his wife. “They make sure policies are conducive to support you in the long run as opposed to just sitting on your hands and not doing anything about it.”