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.
