Farm Bill, Trade & South Dakota Ag Economy Focus of State Fair Panel Discussion

The 2018 farm bill was the focus of South Dakota Farmers Union Panel discussion held September 1, 2018 during Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair.

“South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers face tough economic times due to a trade war creating unstable markets – during a time when prices for our commodities were already low. This farm bill could offer some stability. We hope it is passed soon,” says Doug Sombke, President of SD Farmers Union. “This is the reason we selected the farm bill as the focus of our annual State Fair panel discussion.”

 Joining Sombke on the Freedom Stage were Paul Shubeck, State Director of the Farm Service Agency and Lynn Tjeerdsma, Senior Policy Advisor for South Dakota Sen. John Thune.

 “Agriculture is in a critical spot where a new farm bill is crucial,” says Tjeerdsma, referring to current low commodity prices and trade war negatively impacting farmers this harvest. “This is the sixth farm bill I have worked on and the only one written during economic times like now.”

 Sombke said this topic is not only timely, but the State Fair, surrounded by farm and ranch families, is a good place to hold a discussion of this importance. “This is an event, right before harvest, when many farm and ranch families take a few days to meet up, watch the next generation compete in 4-H and FFA competitions. We hope all who work in agriculture, who attended today’s panel discussion, have a better understanding of what the next farm bill is and how it will impact them.”

 Curt Hillestad, who farms near Claire City, says Sombke’s goal was met. “You hear a lot of rumors, so I knew that this would help me understand what they are really thinking,” explains the fourth-generation farmer. “I was also wondering about who is eligible for payments, and now I have my answer.”

 SD Farmers Union will continue the conversation about the farm bill, trade war and the current challenges South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers face when they travel to DC with more than 30 farmers and ranchers to meet with Congressional leaders Sept. 12-14 for the National Farmers Union Fly-In.

The 2018 farm bill was the focus of South Dakota Farmers Union Panel discussion held September 1, 2018 during Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair. Panelists include (left to right): 

Paul Shubeck, State Director of the Farm Service Agency; Lynn Tjeerdsma, Senior Policy Advisor for South Dakota Sen. John Thune and Doug Sombke, SD Farmers Union President.