The South Dakota legislature wrapped up it’s 2021 session this week having advanced several measures important to agriculture. They include the merger of the Department of Agriculture with Environment and Natural Resources, which takes effect April 19. District 17 State Representative Richard Vasgaard says the move saves money, consolidates farm visits and incorporates the feedlot permit program and the ag inspection program.
He says Governor Kristi Noem also signed bills to provide $75 million for rural high-speed broadband and another measure provides dollars for rural infrastructure improvements.
Vasgaard says the legislature also approved money for the $20 million bioproducts facility at the Brookings Research Park.
Funding will also go towards the $20 million Dakota Events Complex, which will be completed by the 2022 State Fair, and the $15 million dairy research farm at SDSU.
