By Andrew Cyphers, ASA SoyPAC Manager
Decisions made in Washington can have a direct impact on soybean farmers – from trade and biofuels to the farm bill, crop protection tools, and other policies that affect the farm economy. SoyPAC gives soybean growers another way to engage with the policymakers making those decisions and strengthen the industry’s voice in Washington.
ASA’s SoyPAC is the only political action committee solely dedicated to representing the interests of soybean growers across the United States. It is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from ASA members, which are used to support federal candidates who champion soybean farmer priorities.
When you join SoyPAC, you are supporting soy priorities, helping strengthen ASA’s seat at the policy and regulatory table, and ensuring soybean farmers have a strong, collaborative national voice with decision-makers in D.C.
SoyPAC is a nonpartisan organization that supports both Republican and Democratic candidates for the U.S. House and Senate. Not all candidates who receive contributions will agree with ASA on every issue or hold positions that identically mirror those of the soy industry. Rather, SoyPAC is a valuable advocacy tool that helps ASA build and maintain relationships with policymakers who are positioned to make critical decisions affecting agriculture and soybean farmers.
Determining where SoyPAC can have the greatest impact is an ongoing process. ASA staff continually monitor the issues and priorities that matter to soybean farmers, as well as the policymakers and committees positioned to influence those issues. That broader picture helps inform how SoyPAC resources can be used strategically to advance the interests of ASA members and the soybean industry.
ASA Ringmen at the SoyPAC “Tailgating in San Antonio” auction during the 2026 Commodity Classic.
That also means looking at the full scope of a policymaker’s work and relationship with ASA. A SoyPAC recipient may disagree with ASA on a particular issue while being an important partner on other soybean priorities. Maintaining those relationships is an important part of effective advocacy. SoyPAC considers the broader interests of soybean farmers and the organization rather than evaluating a candidate based on a single vote, position, or issue.
Those relationships extend beyond a contribution. ASA staff draw on SoyPAC funds to build and maintain relationships with key policymakers at political events both in and out of Washington. Whenever possible, ASA joins with industry partners on agriculture-specific events to maximize the impact of SoyPAC contributions. All SoyPAC members are also invited to attend events throughout the year. These interactions help reinforce a personal connection to how decisions in Washington impact daily life on the farm.
In addition to attending political events on behalf of ASA, SoyPAC members receive a quarterly newsletter detailing ASA’s advocacy efforts and are invited to participate in various webinars and in-person meetings with soy champions throughout the year. ASA members interested in joining SoyPAC are encouraged to attend the annual SoyPAC Auction held during Commodity Classic. Prospective members may also contact Andrew Cyphers at acyphers@soy.org for more information about supporting the PAC.
SoyPAC is governed by a board of ASA directors and SoyPAC bylaws. Contributions to candidates are considered and approved by the SoyPAC Board before any expenditure is made. In addition to its bylaws, the fund is registered with the Federal Election Commission and transparently run according to FEC’s regulations. Contributors and contributions are publicly available on the FEC website at fec.gov.
Federal law prohibits requesting a specific action in exchange for a PAC contribution, and giving to an individual lawmaker does not guarantee access or specific action. ASA members can voluntarily give up to $5,000 per year to SoyPAC from their personal, not corporate, account. Anyone can decline to give without fear of reprisal, and contributions are not tax-deductible.
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