South Dakota Farm Bureau delegates took action on resolutions regarding industrial hemp and livestock zoning at their annual convention in Sioux Falls. President Scott VanderWal says their organization is not supporting the legalization of industrial hemp in South Dakota at this time, even though USDA has released federal rules.

He says there are many questions that still need to be answered about the market for industrial hemp before South Dakota farmers start producing the alternative crop.

VanderWal says delegates also voted down a resolution to develop a statewide matrix for livestock zoning.

He says they want some type of standardized zoning that will provide certainty for livestock producers. So, they don’t invest large amounts of money to get a conditional use permit and have it turned down even though they meet the requirements.

They also discussed ways to more fairly assess property taxes on land based on its use, but not action was taken.