By Scout Nelson
In March 2025, family farmers and ranchers from South Dakota will travel to Oklahoma City to participate in the National Farmers Union Convention. This significant event, scheduled from March 9-11, serves as a platform for members to advocate for grassroots policies that influence agricultural practices and rural development across the United States.
The National Farmers Union, recognized for its grassroots policy efforts, allows only its members who actively earn from their farming or ranching endeavors to act as delegates. These delegates play a crucial role in shaping the organization’s policy directions by discussing and voting on key issues.
Their contributions help form a comprehensive policy book, which guides the union’s lobbyists in Washington D.C., ensuring that the farmers' voices are considered in national agricultural policy making.
Elections for delegates occur during the South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention held each December. The selected representatives are tasked with advocating for policies that reflect the needs and priorities of South Dakota’s agricultural community at the national level.
The event is not only a chance for delegates to influence policy but also serves as an opportunity for media engagement. Journalists are invited to interact with these dedicated men and women, providing them a unique insight into the challenges and advocacy efforts of America’s heartland farmers. Lura Roti, the media contact, emphasizes the preference for text communication during the convention, although emails prior to the event are welcome.
This gathering highlight the continuous commitment of South Dakota’s agricultural community to drive meaningful changes in the farming and ranching sectors, ensuring their sustainability and profitability in an ever-evolving industry landscape.
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Categories: South Dakota, General