Q A What sets CHS apart from a government relations standpoint? What has surprised you about the company? As the largest farmer-owned cooperative in the U.S., we have a leadership responsibility when it comes to representing producers and co-ops. We need to pay attention to government and policy matters, the same way we closely monitor crude oil prices and grain markets. We need to make our voices heard. We’re so diverse and affected by so many issues that we have a lot of untapped opportunity to get involved. There also are challenges. Our nation is increasingly urban and people not only don’t understand agriculture, they often don’t understand how cooperatives work. The average congressional staffer is 26 years old and is probably from an urban area. We have to be vigilant about educating them on agricultural issues. How valuable are relationships to a successful government affairs program? It’s really important that we are involved in key organizations, including the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives and other national groups that allow us to make sure our voice is heard when industries are developing strategies. Involvement and leadership roles in cooperative and industry organizations extend our presence and our position. We also must make sure that elected offi cials know CHS and understand the many positive things CHS brings to their communities. What critical legislative issues are ahead for CHS? As this magazine goes to press, the future of the Farm Bill is uncertain. Whatever the outcome, the November elections and which parties are in control at the federal and state levels will set the stage for what’s next. November, December and January will be a time when signifi cant issues come to the forefront related to the federal budget. This will include tax issues like expiration of the Bush tax cuts, spending, farm programs and more. There will be tremendous pressure on the federal budget due to the defi cit. All of these factors have implications for agriculture. At CHS, we’re keeping an eye on issues that may affect the cooperative system and its businesses, including patronage, accounting changes and energy tax credits. As a government relations professional, do you believe there is value in having CHS owners and employees speak on issues? When we’re educating members of Congress about CHS, cooperatives and what we do, it’s important to put a local face on those conversations. That’s the real CHS, not a lobbyist in a suit, but our member cooperatives, producer-owners and staff members who understand the real-life impact of laws and regulations. I look forward to extending our messages and our programs throughout the system and getting more people involved. Tell us about the strategic direction of CHS government relations efforts. Our goal is to move CHS — its businesses and its member-owners — to a culture of political awareness. That means valuing and building relationships with elected offi cials who understand our business and how it is affected by legislation and regulation. As part of that process, we want to support members of Congress who appreciate and support rural America. To that end, the CHS Political Action Committee (PAC) is an important tool. As we strengthen our government affairs culture, we want to broaden our involvement in the political process through our PAC and fi nd new ways to demonstrate our support for elected offi cials. It’s important to make those connections through CHS constituents in their states because it demonstrates CHS presence in rural America. One excellent recent example is the visit U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) paid to our headquarters. We want to do more of that. Q A John Engelen builds relationships with elected offi cials and helps educate members of Congress about rural America’s challenges. Q A Q A Q A •• LEARN MORE •• Sign up to receive legislative and regulatory updates in the Capitol Connection e-newsletter at chsinc.com/c. 24 September/October 2012 CHSINC.COM