By Scout Nelson
Earlier this week, the South Dakota Farmers Union held its annual convention, bringing together farmers and ranchers to discuss key policy issues and share agricultural insights. The convention served as a platform for collaboration and provided opportunities to engage with agricultural leaders on topics shaping the future of South Dakota’s agriculture.
Among the key issues discussed were property rights, ballot measures against meatpacking facilities, and anti-competitive practices in livestock markets. However, the most significant discussion focused on tax reform. Attendees highlighted the importance of tax policies in driving education and infrastructure funding across the state.
“It starts at the bottom because, you know, the people, the producers of the state are being taxed in the ag world which drives our education, it drives our road funding for our counties and stuff, even at the state level, so it affects everybody within the state. Anybody that’s here at the convention has a stake in that,” said a board member of the South Dakota Farmers Union.
Leaders at the convention emphasized the importance of including diverse voices in these discussions. “When you’re looking at the diversity of agriculture across South Dakota, what’s working in Union County versus what’s happening in Harding County are two completely different universes. So, with that in mind, getting people in the same room speaking to each other, that’s going to make for a better end product when it comes to policy,” added a state policy committee member.
The South Dakota Farmers Union is committed to working collaboratively with farmers and ranchers across the state. Open conversations and shared perspectives are essential to creating effective policies that address the unique challenges of South Dakota’s diverse agricultural landscape. The convention provided an important step toward achieving these goals.
Photo Credit:pexels-nataliya-vaitkevich
Categories: South Dakota, Government & Policy