Agriculture groups in South Dakota have different takes on Governor Kristi Noem’s plan to merge the State Department of Agriculture with Environment and Natural Resources. The South Dakota Corn Grower’s Association has not yet taken a position according to President Scott Stahl.
Also not taking an official position yet is the South Dakota Soybean Association and the State Cattlemen’s Association. The State Farm Bureau however is in favor of the merger according to President Scott VanderWal.
South Dakota Farmers Union’s lobbyist Mitch Richter says his group is opposing the merger.
The South Dakota Pork Producers Council have taken a neutral position on the merger while Dakota Rural Action is opposing the combining of the two departments.
