Grassroots Policy Established by Family Farmers & Ranchers

South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) delegates worked hard to represent the state’s grassroots policy during the National Farmers Union Convention.

“Policy, not politics. This is how South Dakota Farmers Union works to make positive change for family farmers and ranchers – through grassroots policy,” explained Doug Sombke, SDFU President and Conde farmer.

And delegates lost no time debating. “It is amazing how many different perspectives there are, even from states that are not that far apart geographically,” said Sarah Perrion, an Ipswich farmer, serving as a delegate for the first time.

Perrion and her husband, Lance, were among the 15 delegates SDFU members elected to serve during the 2021 State Convention. Each delegate carried 1,135 votes. In addition to the Perrions, the other South Dakota delegates included Gail Temple, Clark; Wayne Soren, Lake Preston; Lorrie Hanson, Britton; Cassie and Taylor Sumption, Frederick; Shilo LaMont, Union Center; Jeff and Rachel Kippley, Aberdeen; Hank and Melissa Wonnenberg, Dallas; Kirk Schaunaman, Aberdeen; David Reis, Oacoma; and Rob and Darcie Lee, De Smet.

Throughout two days of policy discussion, delegates re-elected Rob Larew to serve as NFU President and elected SDFU member and Aberdeen crop and cattle producer Jeff Kippley to serve as Vice President. In the 118-year history of NFU, this is the first time South Dakota has had a member serve in this position.

“It is phenomenal for SDFU that we have a South Dakota farmer serving as national vice president,” said Wayne Soren, Vice President of SDFU and a Lake Preston farmer. “Jeff’s work ethic and understanding of the needs of family farmers and ranchers will serve the national organization well. He is someone who will put in the long hours and do what it takes to get the job done.”

The process of reviewing and updating the current NFU policy is one Clark farmer, District 3 board member and delegate, Gail Temple appreciates.

“I enjoy hearing all different aspects of farming and how our policy can work together to support family farming,” she said.

Delegates also identified priorities for NFU to focus on in 2022-2023 and approved five Special Orders. Below is a brief overview of each Special Order. For more information, contact Luke Reindl, SDFU Communications and Legislative Specialist, at [email protected].

Fairness for Farmers: This Special Order supports a campaign that is a nationwide effort to give voice to farmers, ranchers and communities being harmed by economic concentration, and to advocate for the revival of strong antitrust and competition law enforcement and the breakup of corporate monopolies.

Family Farming and Supply Chains: This Special Order supports a long list of principles or policies to address challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, unexpected shifts in supply and demand, natural disasters and market concentration which have caused significant supply chain disruptions for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

Family Farming and Agricultural Workforce and Food Processing Reform: This Special Order supports policies or principles to help achieve fairer, more competitive and more resilient farm and food supply chains through more local and policies or principles to aide in securing a skilled labor force.

Family Farming and Climate Change: National Farmers Union (NFU) believes policies intended to address climate change should leverage agriculture’s potential to be part of the solution. These policies should provide incentives to support farmers and ranchers as they tackle climate challenges. Public policy should also play a role in ensuring carbon and other ecosystem markets provide fair and transparent opportunities to farmers and ranchers. Additionally, it is essential to have a national energy policy that incentivizes carbon emission reductions using renewable energy, biofuels and other technologies and products while balancing rural energy needs and jobs.

Family Farming and Dairy Policy Reform: This Special Order supports efforts made to improve federal dairy programs by addressing the fundamental problem of oversupply. It supports federal dairy policy, which provides both a safety net for family dairy farms in all regions and of all herd sizes, and a mechanism to manage milk supply to meet profitable demand.

Because delegates from different states did not always agree, it made for informative and heated debates.

“It has been great to see members have a healthy discussion and debate, and see the clear passion for Farmers Union policy,” said Union Center rancher and SDFU delegate Shilo LaMont. “It is refreshing to be here with other farmers and ranchers who care about issues that matter.” To learn more about National Farmers Union Policy, visit www.nfu.org.