HURON, S.D. — South Dakota’s agricultural community once again came together to advocate for family farmers and ranchers at the South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) 109th State Convention on December 11-12, 2024. Held in Huron, the event brought together producers from across the state to discuss pressing issues such as Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL), a new Farm Bill, and access to affordable childcare, all crucial for sustaining the local agricultural economy.
“Farmers Union is a place where I know I have a voice,” said Carleyn Petersen, an Eagle Butte rancher. “My husband and I are not able to be in D.C. or in Pierre, but we know Farmers Union is there, working to support policy to keep our family ranch going.”Contact Carleyn
MCOOL has been a cornerstone of SDFU’s policy initiatives, crucial for distinguishing U.S.-produced meats from foreign imports. David Reis, a Reliance rancher and SDFU board member, stressed the importance of MCOOL. “Consumers need to know the difference between buying meat born, raised, and harvested in the U.S. and foreign imports.”
Another significant voice advocating MCOOL was Cheryl Schaefers, a farmer from Polo who operates a catering business. She noted, “As a caterer, I have noticed a change in labeling, where distribution, not source, is listed on labels. Customers want to know where their food comes from, as not all countries have the same food safety standards.”Contact Cheryl
In an era where global supply chains can obscure the origins of food products, SDFU is working with congressional leaders to include MCOOL in the upcoming Farm Bill. The bill, last established in 2018, is ripe for updates to address modern challenges facing American agriculture.
Jeff Kippley, an Aberdeen farmer and Vice President of SDFU and National Farmers Union, highlighted the urgency of passing a new Farm Bill. “As we gather at convention this year, commodity markets are 25% down from last year. And unfortunately, leadership in D.C. has dragged their feet on a Farm Bill,” he remarked.
Beyond policy, the convention also tackled the critical issue of childcare access in rural South Dakota. “One of the challenges we have in rural South Dakota is finding daycare,” said Rob Lee, a Kingsbury County farmer and father of three. “Having kids at home is a challenge to make sure we have daycare that is consistent, available, and affordable.” This sentiment echoed throughout the convention, with many young families facing similar struggles.
South Dakota’s youth also played an active role in the convention, showcasing the next generation of agricultural leaders. Madi Raymond of Ethan and Cadence Konechne of Kimball were honored with the Torchbearer Award, SDFU’s highest youth accolade. Their contributions and involvement highlight the importance of youth engagement in shaping future SDFU policies.
During the event, attendees were also privy to expert discussions on diverse topics. State Veterinarian Beth Thompson, AgSpire’s Vice President of Innovation Jared Knock, Meteorologist Eric Snodgrass, Market Analyst Matt Roberts, and National Farmers Union President Rob Larew provided insights into the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in today’s agricultural landscape.
Larew, who visited Harding County to meet with ranchers, commented, “Each time I am in South Dakota, my understanding of the reach of the grassroots nature of South Dakota Farmers Union policy deepens.”
The convention concluded with a panel discussing tax reforms, emphasizing SDFU’s commitment to tackling both immediate and systemic issues in agriculture. With a strong foundation in grassroots policy-making, the South Dakota Farmers Union continues to be a bastion for farmer advocacy, ensuring that family farms and ranches have the support they need to thrive now and in the future.
To learn more about SDFU’s efforts and how you can be a part of these impactful initiatives, visit their website.