The Rural Lobbyist: Precision Agriculture Bills Remain Alive

The South Dakota State University Precision Agriculture bills remain alive and looking for funding. Both House and Senate bills have passed and are now sitting at the bottom of House and Senate agenda’s waiting for a funding decision. More action to come next week on these bills.HB 1184 was an Act to provide certain provisions regarding waste disposal lines along or under highways was killed in Senate transportation. This bill would have allowed county commissioners to regulate waste disposal lines from agriculture facilities and where they could have been placed. S.D. Farmers Union was opposed to the bill. Expect the bill to return next year.It was S.D. Farmers Union Legislative Day in Pierre on Tuesday Feb. 27! It was great to see members wearing Farmers Union lanyards and name tags, making a statement that agriculture is important in South Dakota. When you see your legislator in the coffee shop, elevator, or church thank them for their service. For the most part it’s a thankless job!