Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1941-2004 (Creation)
Extent
1.84 linear feet (1 records center box, 1 document case, 1 long document case)
Name of creator
Administrative history
Sokota Hybrid Producers, Inc. was a South Dakota-based agricultural cooperative that supplied hybrid seed corn to farmers in South Dakota and neighboring states. The organization traces its origins to 1924, when Clifford Franzke, an agronomist with the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, began inbreeding local corn varieties to develop hybrids suited to the regional climate. In 1942, a new hybrid seed was released to farmers, and efforts to standardize seed grading were initiated by Fred Baldridge, a retired farmer.
The cooperative formally incorporated in 1944, with 24 farmers purchasing certificates of equity to establish the organization. E.G. Sanderson served as its first president. In 1945, W.L. Davis, a vocational agriculture instructor in Brookings, became manager and oversaw construction of Sokota’s processing plant in southern Brookings. Davis remained in the position for nearly 35 years.
By the late 1970s and early 1980s, Sokota operated one of the largest corn breeding programs in the region, reportedly exceeding the scope of similar efforts at South Dakota State University. The cooperative was sold in 1985 to North American Plant Breeders, marking the end of its independent operations.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The Sokota Hybrid Producers Records document the activities of the Sokota Hybrid Producers, Inc. from its incorporation in 1944 to its dissolution in 1986. The bulk of the collection consists of Board of Directors minutes, which typically include meeting agendas, minutes, and occasionally newsletters, correspondence, and reports. These records offer insight into the cooperative's governance and strategic decisions over four decades of operation.
In addition to board minutes, the collection contains foundational documents such as articles of incorporation, by-laws, certificates of amendment and dissolution, and a purchase agreement related to Nickerson American Plant Breeders. Financial records are extensive and include corn payments, revolving fund certificates, grower and producer ledger sheets, membership and equity certificates, and a photocopy of the first check issued by the cooperative. Materials related to seed production and marketing include performance test results, annual booklets, grower notes, pricing lists, policy documents, and promotional publications.
Supporting materials include newspaper clippings on Sokota’s history, documents related to South Dakota cooperative law (Chapter 47-15), and memorabilia such as anniversary items, photographs, employee information, branded clothing patches, and seed catalogs. The collection provides a comprehensive view of the operations, legal structure, and community impact of a mid-century South Dakota agricultural cooperative.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
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Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)
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Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:
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Languages of the material
English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
Copyright and Use Statement
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.
Specialized notes
Alternative identifier(s)
Description control element
Rules or conventions
Sources used
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Sokota Hybrid Producers (Subject)