"This is a valuable opportunity for ASA members," said ASA President Johnny Dodson. "The program looks at farming unique to the area and gives current and emerging leaders a chance to share ideas and build relationships. ASA is grateful to the United Soybean Board for partnering with ASA on this program and to the Virginia and South Dakota Soybean Associations for acting as host states this year."

The southern REAP tour was held on July 27-31, 2009, and the northern REAP tour was held on August 11-15, 2009.

Photos from the 2009 REAP Tour:

All farmer-leaders come away from these tours with new friends, new information and a new awareness of agriculture in different states.

The American Soybean Association has offered this popular program to farmer-leaders since 1991. REAP tours give producers a unique opportunity to make new friends with growers from different growing regions of the country, to exchange information with each other and to further develop producer knowledge and skills.

The REAP program also helps U.S. soybean producers to build the relationships necessary to maintain a strong and proactive voice on behalf of farm-related legislative priorities in Washington, D.C.