Thursday, the South Dakota Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee will take testimony on Senate Bill 98. The measure would amend the State’s Family Farm Act. Under that law, no corporations except a family farm corporation may own or operate any hog confinement facility. Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal says if passed SB 98 would make pork production subject to the same provisions which apply to livestock feeding, raising breeding stock, dairying and producing poultry and eggs.

He says the current Family Farm Act hurts younger producers.

VanderWal says by passing SB 98, it will be easier for younger producers to get a livestock contract and get started in the business.

The South Dakota Farm Bureau passed policy calling for revisions to the Family Farm Act last November.