The American Farm Bureau Federation renewed its push among its members to counter the Biden administrations plans to overhaul the Waters of the U.S. rule at this week’s annual convention, in addition to debating policy on cattle market reform, ag labor and climate change.
South Dakota Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal says they supported the Trump-era Navigable Waters Protection Rule. EPA is scheduled to release a proposed rule in February which they believe will represent government overreach and disregard their objections.
USDA also announced new opportunities for climate-smart agriculture in 2022 at the convention and VanderWal says they’re proud to have led the discussion about agriculture’s role in climate policy.
VanderWal expects a huge debate about cattle market reform. The group’s policy allowed endorsement of the Grassley Fischer compromise bill that mandates negotiated cash levels on a regional basis. However, he’s not sure if that will be their policy after the resolution session Tuesday.
He says ag labor reform is still a major issue for the group, but it will be nearly impossible to make any headway during an election year.
