South Dakota Farmers Union President Says Grassroots Policy Supports Wetlands Compliance & Appeals Reform Act

Policy put in place by members of South Dakota’s largest agriculture organization, South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU), supports the NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act introduced by Senator Mike Rounds the week of September 19, 2022.

“Our policy supports a landowner’s ability to make decisions for the land they own,” explained Doug Sombke, SDFU President and a fourth-generation Conde farmer.

Senator Rounds first introduced the NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act during the 116^th Congress. According to Rounds, this updated version remains largely unchanged, except for the addition to the Act which would prevent NRCS from entering into permanent easement agreements.

“Permanent easement agreements mean decisions made by previous generations could impact future generations,” Sombke said. “Each generation needs to be able to make decisions that make sense for their farm or ranch. I don’t expect my sons to manage the land exactly how I did or the same way my dad or grandpa did. This Act supports landowners’ rights.”

To read the NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act, visit www.Rounds.Senate.gov and click on the Legislation link.

More about SDFU

For more than a century, SDFU grassroots policy has guided the leadership and advocacy efforts. Focused on supporting family farmers and ranchers, South Dakota Farmers Union policy is established each year by its members during the organization’s state convention.

To learn more, visit www.sdfu.org.