One of the South Dakota farm groups opposing the Governor’s plan to merge the State Agriculture Department with DENR is the South Dakota Farmers Union. President Doug Sombke says they’re now working with lawmakers to craft a bill that calls for citizens to elect the State Agriculture Secretary rather than have that position appointed.

Sombke was asked if he’s concerned that by electing the State Agriculture Secretary it would place that decision in those far removed from agriculture.

Sombke says merging DENR with the Agriculture Department won’t really save much money and overall is a bad idea.

Sombke says SDFU will testify against the Merger Legislation whenever it’s introduced.