South Dakota lawmakers and leaders joined the International Dairy Food Association in Milbank yesterday for a fly-out focused on trade and the economic impact of the dairy industry. They also participated in a round table with leaders in the dairy and processing industry. International Dairy Foods Association CEO Micheal Dykes says they’re calling for labor and immigration reform, plus the passage of pending trade agreements critical to agriculture and dairy.

South Dakota Senator John Thune says trade deals with China and the USMCA need to be finalized to put the U.S. back on solid footing in the export arena.

They also toured the newly expanded Valley Queen Dairy Plant with CEO Doug Wilkes and discussed the $2.7 billion economic impact dairy makes on the state and local economy.

The group also detailed the the continued plans for dairy development and growth in the I-29 corridor in both production and processing.