SDFB Advocates for Ag Policies

By Scout Nelson

On March 24, 2025, the South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) launched a significant advocacy event in Washington D.C., assembling 50 grassroots leaders from every district in South Dakota. This two-day Fly-In aims to amplify the voice of South Dakota agriculture on a national stage.

Participants, including state board members and representatives from various SDFB committees, are in the capital to push forward the priorities of South Dakota farmers and ranchers.

According to Krystil Smit, Executive Director of South Dakota Farm Bureau, this Fly-In is a pivotal opportunity for direct discussions with influential policymakers. The focus is on ensuring that rural South Dakota's needs and perspectives are well represented in decisions that affect their livelihoods and communities.

The agenda is packed with strategic meetings, including dialogues with the Mexican and Canadian Embassies and significant U.S. agencies like the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). These discussions are crucial as they address key issues such as trade, tariffs, and agricultural legislation.

Moreover, the delegation will have personal meetings with South Dakota’s Congressional representatives—Senator John Thune, Senator Mike Rounds, and Representative Dusty Johnson. These interactions are geared towards shaping policies that impact the agricultural sector.

In collaboration with the American Farm Bureau Federation, the group will also receive updates on national agricultural priorities, including labor, energy, and upcoming Farm Bill considerations. Scott VanderWal, SDFB President and Vice President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, highlights the importance of these personal stories from the grassroots level in influencing policy.

This advocacy initiative underscores the South Dakota Farm Bureau's dedication to promoting the interests and sustainability of agriculture in South Dakota. By engaging directly with policymakers,

SDFB ensures that the voices of their members are not only heard but are a driving force in shaping the future of agriculture. The event concludes on Tuesday, March 25, marking another chapter in SDFB's ongoing commitment to its members and their contributions to agriculture.

Photo Credit: south-dakota-farm-bureau