The 2020 South Dakota legislative session was mostly positive for agriculture. That’s according to State Farmers Union Lobbyist Mitch Richter. He says while they wanted the state to provide money to counties for roads, getting the industrial hemp bill passed was a major win as lawmakers provided the $3.5 million the Governor demanded for the program.

He says the House had passed a measure that would have given $10 million in one time funding to counties for roads. However, the Senate refused to go along with that move.

Richter says it’s possible a legislative study will need to be done on how the state can assist counties with road upkeep and repairs.

Richter says this year’s 2020 session had no major controversial issues. He says while not perfect, the Governor Noem’s business development and zoning bill that was approved, is also positive.