News Releases

SD Farmers Union President Named National Treasurer

Representing more than 18,000 family farmers and ranchers throughout South Dakota in his role as SD Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke was re-elected to serve as Treasurer of the national organization’s executive board during the 118th NFU Convention, held in Savannah, Georgia March 1-3, 2020. “My first priority is serving South Dakota Farmers Union members. […]

SDFU Delegates Represent South Dakota Policy

South Dakotans Meet with U.S. Sec. of Agriculture During National Farmers Union Convention

Acknowledging the challenges facing American agriculture, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue says he remains bullish for the future of agriculture when he addressed Farmers Union members during the organization’s National Convention held in Savannah March 1-3. “People need you. People need us. People need American agriculture,” Perdue said. Among the many family farmers and […]

S.D. Farmers Union Appreciates Senators’ Response to Lifting Brazilian Beef Ban

South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) appreciates the efforts made by 15 U.S. Senators, including Thune and Rounds, to hold the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) accountable. In a February 28 letter, Senators expressed concerns over the USDA-FSIS February 20 decision to lift the U.S. ban on Brazilian raw beef imports, noting public […]

SD Farmers Union Celebrates FFA Week

Governor Noem Proclaims Feb. 25 E30 Day

Members of S.D. Farmers Union (SDFU) and Glacial Lakes Energy (GLE) Cooperative celebrate E30 Day together in Pierre February 25 after Governor Kristi Noem’s proclamation. “The Governor’s proclamation helps increase public awareness of E30 as the renewable fuel option that also promotes air quality and public health because it replaces cancerous additives,” says Doug Sombke, […]

Legislators Recognized for Supporting Family Farmers & Ranchers

During South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) Legislative Day, February 25, SDFU recognized legislators Oren Lesmeister and Lee Qualm for their efforts in supporting South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers through legislative policy with the 2020 Legislator of the Year Award. Throughout 2019, Lesmeister, a Parade rancher and small business owner, and Lee Qualm, a Platte […]

Farmers Union Scholarship Supports Plant Science Researcher

As a farm kid growing up in rural South Dakota, Chris Nelson would see the challenges brought about by weather and markets. At the time, he could do nothing to help. Now 37, the SDSU research assistant is doing something. He enrolled in graduate classes. “I feel this is my chance to effect change,” says […]