HURON, S.D. (Dakota News Now) — In the heart of South Dakota, where expansive fields merge seamlessly with rugged ranches, family farmers and ranchers are convening for a pivotal event that echoes across the state: the 109th annual South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) convention. This storied gathering, held on December 11-12, 2024, in Huron, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and forward-thinking vision of the SDFU, the oldest and largest farm member organization in the state.
Doug Sombke, President of the South Dakota Farmers Union since 2005, underscores the significance of the convention. “It’s our 109th annual convention and we are the oldest and largest farm member organization in the state and have been around the longest,” said Sombke. “The work that we do, we’re going to be addressing a lot of issues at the policy part of the convention, that’s where our members approve what the board and others have brought to the policy committee to address for the year and update policy from the past. That’s really the bones and the whole reason for us getting together.”
Dough Sombke
Every corner of South Dakota, from its rolling prairies to its vibrant cities like Sioux Falls, feels the impact of issues tackled at this assembly. The 2024 convention agenda comprises pressing topics such as tax reform, tackling anti-competitive practices within livestock markets, and supporting a competition title in the next farm bill. The board also plans to deliberate on ballot measures against meatpacking facilities, aligning with farmers’ and ranchers’ interests.
Landowner rights and eminent domain persist as recurring themes during these discussions, reflecting the state’s ongoing dialogue on economic development and private enterprises. “The legislature has pretty much just kicked the can down the road on eminent domain, especially for the use of private for-profit companies. I mean, this whole thing with the pipeline, I’ve said this in the past, Summit Carbon Solution and this pipeline are just the beginning of this topic and we’ve got to find ways to address it,” stated Sombke.
Summit Carbon Solutions
Echoing through the halls of the Huron Convention Center will also be the crucial discussions on childcare in rural South Dakota. The convening minds aim to uncover strategies that mitigate the soaring costs and accessibility hurdles faced by families. Sombke reflects, “We’ve got to find a way to address that. We’ve got to find a way to make sure that employers have good employees, their workers got to have their kids watched. We’ve got to find good ways to do this and I think there are some things we can do.”
Beyond policy-making, the SDFU provides an array of benefits and educational programs for its members. These include the Agricultural Graduate School Scholarship, the Farming For The Future Scholarship Program, and the SDFU Foundation Scholarship. Additionally, members enjoy discounts on machinery, vehicles, clothing, and exclusive insurance options.
The convention embodies not only a forum for policy development but also a community celebration of South Dakota’s agricultural roots. As members unite to shape policies that promise to secure a robust future for family farms and ranches, the gathering reaffirms the union’s mission of advocacy and community engagement.
For those interested in exploring further details or registering for the convention, additional information can be found through the official South Dakota Farmers Union website. Embrace the spirit of collaboration and innovation by joining this celebration of South Dakota’s agricultural community.
You can find more information and registration details for this year’s convention by visiting SDFU’s official website.