SOUTH DAKOTA AGRI-BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

What SOUTH DAKOTA AGRI-BUSINESS ASSOCIATION does

South Dakota Agri-Business Association (SDABA) is a membership-based nonprofit state trade association founded in 1962 (originally as the South Dakota Fertilizer Association) and headquartered in Pierre, SD, with an operational relocation to Aberdeen, SD effective April 1, 2026. The organization represents nearly 600 member companies across South Dakota's agribusiness value chain, including ag retailers selling fertilizer, crop protection, and seed; grain elevator operators; and industry manufacturers, suppliers, and wholesalers. Its core offerings are organized around four pillars: (1) recurring events led by the annual Ag Expo at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls (1,300+ attendees, 70+ exhibitors) plus the Agronomy Conference, Elevator SMRC Seminar, CCA Exam Training, Grain Grading School, Commercial Applicator Recertification, and the Tomorrow's Ag Leaders program; (2) legislative and regulatory advocacy at the state and federal levels, including a political action committee funded through Ag Expo raffles; (3) regulatory compliance support through a partnership with the Asmark Institute; and (4) member communications including newsletters, regulatory alerts, and a members-only website powered by MemberLeap and administered via Vieth Consulting.

The association generates revenue through three primary streams: annual membership dues (Industry $500, Ag Retail $400, Associate $200, plus branch tiers), Ag Expo event revenue (exhibitor booth fees, attendee registration, bulk equipment space, sponsorships, ancillary sales), and training/certification fees (SMRC Seminar, CCA Exam Training, Grain Grading School add-on, Agronomy Conference registrations, TAL tuition). Its go-to-market combines event-driven engagement (Ag Expo, Agronomy Conference, TAL) with sales-led direct membership acquisition and renewal, and it operates without resellers or third-party distributors. The association is governed by a Board of Directors representing seven retail districts, grain elevator districts, and at-large industry seats, and is led by two staff: Executive Director Liv Stavick and Administrative Director Kinlie Johnson.

Strategic positioning rests on scale (South Dakota's largest agribusiness association following the January 2022 merger with the South Dakota Grain and Feed Association), national affiliations (Ag Retailers Association, CropLife Association, The Fertilizer Institute, BIO, ASTA), and institutional partnerships with South Dakota State University and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. SDABA publicly engages on high-stakes regulatory issues including U.S. Supreme Court pesticide labeling decisions, EPA dicamba registration, and state CDL medical certification requirements, positioning the association as the principal collective voice for South Dakota's ag retailers, elevators, and supporting companies.

Name

SOUTH DAKOTA AGRI-BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Legal name

South Dakota Agri-Business Association

Website

https://sdaba.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1962

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

SDABA is a nonprofit state trade association founded in 1962 representing nearly 600 South Dakota ag retailers, grain elevators, and agribusiness suppliers through annual events (Ag Expo, Agronomy Conference), regulatory advocacy, certification training, and member services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Pierre

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: SDABA generates revenue primarily from annual membership dues paid by ag retail firms, elevator companies, industry manufacturers/suppliers, and associate members. Membership tiers are priced at $500/year (Industry), $400/year (Ag Retail), and $200/year (Associate), with additional branch and elevator branch memberships. These dues fund advocacy, education, events, and operational activities.
2. Ag Expo Event Revenue: Ag Expo generates revenue through exhibitor booth fees (10x10 booths: $450 members / $950 non-members; large equipment bulk space at $3.20/sq ft), attendee registration fees ($50 early / $60 regular / $30 Thursday only), sponsorship packages, and ancillary sales such as beverage tickets, furniture/electricity orders, and exhibitor showcase slots.
3. Training and Certification Fees: SDABA charges fees for educational programs including the Elevator SMRC Seminar ($100 members / $150 non-members, with $50 late fee), CCA Exam Training Workshop ($50), Grain Grading School add-on ($75 per person), and Agronomy Conference registrations. These programs also serve member retention and recruitment.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

SDABA is a membership-based state trade association that serves South Dakota agribusinesses through annual membership subscriptions, advocacy and lobbying on state and federal agricultural policy, professional training and certification programs (CCA, Applicator recertification, Grain Grading), the Ag Expo regional trade show, the Agronomy Conference, and the Tomorrow's Ag Leaders leadership development program. Revenue is generated primarily through tiered membership dues plus event registrations, exhibitor booth fees, sponsorships, and training program fees.

Product overview

The South Dakota Agri-Business Association (SDABA) is a membership-based state trade association, not a technology product company. Its portfolio consists of events, programs, and membership services for agricultural businesses: (1) Ag Expo - the largest indoor agribusiness trade show in the region; (2) Agronomy Conference - comprehensive CEU program for Certified Crop Advisors; (3) Elevator SMRC Seminar - safety and regulatory compliance training; (4) CCA Exam Training Workshop - crop advisor certification preparation; (5) Tomorrow's Ag Leaders (TAL) Program - leadership development; (6) Agronomy & Applicator Challenge - competitive team event; (7) Grain Grading School and Commercial Applicator Recertification - specialized training; (8) Leon Wrage Award and Applicator of the Year Award - recognition programs; and (9) Membership services including advocacy, newsletters, compliance support, and networking.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Membership Services Annual tiered membership subscriptions for South Dakota ag retailers, grain elevators, and industry manufacturers/suppliers, including newsletters and alerts, members-only website access, regulatory compliance support through the Asmark Institute partnership, posters and training videos, membership directory listings, and networking opportunities. Tiers: Industry $500/year, Ag Retail $400/year, Elevator (annual), Associate $200/year. Nearly 600 member companies.
• Ag Expo The largest indoor agribusiness trade show in the region, held annually at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, SD. Attracts over 1,300 attendees including decision makers, managers, and employees of cooperatives, ag retailers, and elevators, plus 70+ exhibitors. Features exhibitor booths (10x10 booths $450 members/$950 non-members; large equipment bulk space $3.20/sq ft; roaming exhibitor $350 members/$750 non-members), attendee registration ($50 early/$60 regular/$30 Thursday only), sponsorships, and ancillary sales.
• Agronomy Conference A two-day annual conference held in December featuring presentations from leading university and industry experts, offering 17 CEUs for Certified Crop Advisors across all four performance objectives (Nutrient Management, Soil & Water, Pest Management, Crop Management). Gathers over 150 progressive agronomists. Open to all attendees.
• Elevator SMRC Seminar Annual seminar covering safety, maintenance, and regulatory compliance (OSHA, FDA, EPA) for grain, feed, and processing facilities. Priced at $100 members / $150 non-members with a $50 late fee. Held at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel. Geared toward grain facility managers, assistant managers, and safety directors.
• CCA Exam Training Workshop Test preparation course for the International and South Dakota CCA Exam, hosted jointly by SDABA and the South Dakota CCA Board. Priced at $50 per attendee. Reviews technical information across all four CCA categories: Nutrient Management, Soil and Water Management, Integrated Pest Management, and Crop Management. Minimum attendance floor of 10 people.
• Tomorrow's Ag Leaders (TAL) Program A four-session leadership development program sponsored by SDABA designed to improve leadership skills of South Dakota men and women working in agribusiness. Tuition $1,000 per participant, class limited to 10. Sessions cover Ag Expo, the South Dakota Legislature in Pierre, national issues in Washington D.C., and professional development in Sioux Falls.
• Grain Grading School Hands-on training offered during Ag Expo providing cost-effective and practical grain grading skill development. $75 per person (includes full Ag Expo access); Grain Grading School add-on $45 for separate attendees. Covers grain quality, corn and soybean grading demonstrations, grading and appeal process, and official U.S. grades. Limited to 30 participants.
• Commercial Applicator Recertification Training Biennial training required to maintain a Commercial Applicator License in South Dakota. Co-sponsored by SDSU and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR). Held during Ag Expo at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.
• Agronomy & Applicator Challenge Team competition held during Ag Expo where two-person teams visit participating booths to answer questions in Agronomy or Applicator categories. Open to all employees of Dealer and Branch members of SDABA.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 600 member companies represented, making SDABA the largest agribusiness association in South Dakota.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, moderate and minor.

• Ag Retailers Association (ARA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSDABA is affiliated with the Ag Retailers Association, which provides national-level representation for ag retailers. Through this affiliation, SDABA extends its advocacy voice to the national capital and gains access to national industry resources, best practices, and policy positions.
• CropLife Association (CLA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSDABA is affiliated with the CropLife Association for national representation. CLA represents the crop protection and plant science industry, supporting SDABA's advocacy efforts at the federal level.
• The Fertilizer Institute (TFI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSDABA is affiliated with The Fertilizer Institute, which represents the fertilizer industry nationally. This partnership supports SDABA's advocacy on fertilizer-related regulations, taxes, and policy at both state and federal levels.
• Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)moderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerSDABA is affiliated with BIO, providing connections to the biotechnology industry's policy positions and resources for issues related to biotech crops and agricultural innovation.
• American Seed Trade Association (ASTA)moderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerSDABA is affiliated with ASTA, extending its national representation to seed industry issues and connecting members to seed trade resources and policy advocacy.
• Asmark InstitutecoreTechnology or IntegrationThrough a partnership with Asmark Institute, SDABA offers members a regulatory compliance program that simplifies government compliance processes. This is a core member benefit that helps ag businesses navigate OSHA, FDA, EPA, and other regulatory requirements.
• South Dakota Association of Conservation DistrictsmoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerSDABA partners with the South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts on the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Initiative, educating crop producers about Right Source, Right Time, Right Place, and Right Rate nutrient management in the Big Sioux, Vermillion, and James River watersheds.
• South Dakota Association of CooperativesmoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerSDABA partners with the South Dakota Association of Cooperatives on the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Initiative to promote responsible nutrient management practices among cooperative members across South Dakota.
• South Dakota State University (SDSU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSDSU serves as a co-sponsor of Commercial Applicator Recertification Training at Ag Expo and provides expert presenters for the Agronomy Conference. SDABA also collaborates with SDSU Extension on pesticide recertification and agronomy education programs.
• South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDANR co-sponsors Commercial Applicator Recertification Training at Ag Expo and is a key government agency liaison for SDABA's regulatory and policy work. SDABA staff work directly with DANR on issues of policy, procedure, and practice affecting the industry.
• CropLife Ambassador NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSDABA participates in the CropLife Ambassador Network, a free program that brings agriculture professionals into 4th-6th grade classrooms to educate students about modern American farming methods across Midwest states.
• South Dakota CCA BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSDABA and the South Dakota CCA Board jointly host the CCA Exam Training Workshop, which serves as a test preparation course for the International and South Dakota CCA Exam, covering all four CCA categories.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association: State association for ag retailers in Kansas providing legislative representation, regulatory support, CCA training, and an annual convention/expo. Highly comparable membership model, programming, and customer base to SDABA.
• Nebraska Agri-Business Association: State-level agribusiness trade association serving Nebraska retailers, elevators, and supporting companies with similar advocacy, education, and event programming (including a comparable trade show). Same membership-based nonprofit model and same target customer base as SDABA.
• Iowa Agribusiness Association: State trade association for Iowa ag retailers, grain handlers, and suppliers offering policy advocacy, training, certification programs (CCA), and an annual trade show/expo. Directly comparable in mission, structure, and product mix to SDABA.
• Minnesota Crop Production Retailers (MCPR): Minnesota state association for crop production retailers and ag input suppliers, focused on CCA certification, regulatory advocacy, and training. Comparable geographic peer with overlapping ag retail membership base.
• North Dakota Grain Dealers Association: North Dakota grain and agribusiness trade association providing advocacy, education, and member services to grain elevators and agribusinesses. Directly comparable state-level trade association serving an adjacent geography with similar ag economy.
• Wisconsin Agri-Business Association: Wisconsin state agribusiness trade association providing advocacy, education, CCA certification support, and an annual Agribusiness Trade Show. Comparable membership-based nonprofit model serving a Midwest grain belt state.

Broad incumbents

• CropLife America: National trade association for the crop protection industry, providing federal advocacy on pesticide regulation and agricultural innovation. SDABA is affiliated with CropLife Association, the state-level partner organization.
• National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA): National trade association for grain elevators, feed manufacturers, and related agribusinesses, providing federal advocacy, safety programs, and industry standards. National counterpart for the grain/feed members SDABA absorbed from the 2022 SDGFA merger.
• The Fertilizer Institute (TFI): National trade association for the fertilizer industry, providing policy advocacy, safety programs, and stewardship initiatives such as 4R Nutrient Stewardship. A core affiliate of SDABA, operating one tier above the state level.
• Ag Retailers Association (ARA): National trade association representing the agricultural retail industry, providing federal advocacy, industry standards, and educational resources. SDABA is itself affiliated with ARA, making ARA a parent-incumbent overlay rather than a direct competitor at the state level.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/south-dakota-agri-business-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SOUTH DAKOTA AGRI-BUSINESS ASSOCIATION