News

Having lobbyist Brenda Forman as boots on the ground in Pierre provides for a legislative update. Please see attached. I would flag out 2 priorities: first that HB 1153 is scheduled to be heard on the Senate floor this afternoon and second that the resolution opposing the merger (SRD 901) will also be heard on Senate floor today.

The SDDP board of directors during yesterday’s board meeting officially took a position of supporting the merger of the Department of Ag with the DENR to create a new department the Department of Ag and Natural Resources.

The Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls has a huge draw throughout the year (in person and on social media) including significant exposure to students, youth, and consumers seeking more information about things including how their food is produced and where it comes from.  This year they have been more challenged by limitations on events and…

A diverse range of farm and agricultural industries is praising a bipartisan Senate letter sent today to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue urging stronger international safeguards to protect U.S. exporters using common food and wine terms.