The American Soybean Association along with 31 other agricultural groups have written to the leaders of the House Ways and Means Committee asking for repeal of the estate tax. ASA Board member and Valley Springs South Dakota farmer Kevin Scott says they’re asking the committee to consider the repeal as part of a broader tax reform package. He says the estate tax hurts farmers and ranchers.

He says the estate tax makes it difficult for farmers to pass their operations down to their family members.

Scott says by approaching Congress through a coalition made up of several ag groups they hope to be able to influence policy on this issue.

Comprehensive tax reform is a top priority for Congress this year and so Scott is optimistic they’ll consider eliminating the estate tax.