Monday, the South Dakota Senate passed a bill to have the state implement an industrial hemp plan. Funding is being ironed out by a conference committee and then will be sent to Governor Kristi Noem for her approval. The South Dakota Farmers Union has long advocated for producers to be able to grow industrial hemp and President Doug Sombke is pleased the measure is moving forward.

He says allowing the growing of industrial hemp helps particularly younger producers wanting to get into the business.

Sombke says it will take time to get everything up and running so farmers can proceed with their planting of the crop.

Governor Noem announced Monday that the hemp program will be funded as her agencies proposed at a cost of $3.5 million.