Dakota Rural Action, one of the groups that opposed the merger of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is disappointed with the failure twice by the State Legislature to disapprove that unification. DRA member Stephanie Peterson says they’re now considering what their next steps may be if any.

She says they’re worried about how this merger will impact both beginning farmers and ranchers and local and regional food systems.

Merger proponents and the Governor both billed the new department as a one stop shop for farmers and ranchers that would save the state about $450,000 by eliminating five positions. Peterson says DRA didn’t see great savings from the merger.

DRA and South Dakota Farmers Union opposed the merger while the South Dakota Farm Bureau supported it.