One of the major issues in the South Dakota House race has been Republican Congresswoman Kristi Noem leaving the Ag Committee for a spot on the Ways and Means Committee. Her challenger, Democrat Paula Hawks has charged that lessens South Dakota’s influence on agriculture. Noem points out that by being on Ways and Means she is still able to help agriculture, including getting passage of the Section 179 tax deduction.

She says members of Congress have already started to work on the next farm bill as producers suffer through an economic downturn.

Noem says another major concern of many farmers and ranchers is the concentration in the ag seed and herbicide industry and its impact on agriculture.

Voters will decide next week who will represent South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives.