By Scout Nelson
A group of family farmers and ranchers from South Dakota is in Washington, D.C. this week, urging Congressional leaders to support agriculture. Their key messages include ending trade disruptions, passing a new Farm Bill, and following constitutional policies that protect farmers and rural communities.
This advocacy effort is led by the South Dakota Farmers Union in partnership with the National Farmers Union. These producers are concerned about how national decisions affect their ability to plant, harvest, and manage risk in farming.
Freeman farmer Mike Miller, who finished planting his 2025 crops before traveling, says the biggest challenge this season is selecting the right risk protection for what he has just planted.
“What programs I choose for crop insurance are decisions we make on a year-to-year basis based on the markets, but right now the markets are so unstable and when I do sign up for a program, because we do not have a Farm Bill, I do not know if the federal programs I do sign up for will be funded.”
He believes taking time away from his farm to speak up in Washington is important for all South Dakota farmers.
“Everyone in farming is concerned right now, and for good reason,” said Miller, speaking on behalf of his peers who face the same challenges in rural South Dakota.
Miller is joined by fellow producers, including Oren Lesmeister from Parade, Lance Perrion from Ipswich, Scott Kolousek from Wessington Springs, David Reis from Reliance, and Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of the South Dakota Farmers Union.
The group’s goal is to make sure agriculture remains strong by asking leaders to act on laws and trade policies that directly affect farming operations and food production. Their voices reflect the daily concerns and future hopes of family farmers across the state.
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Categories: South Dakota, Government & Policy