Policy Accomplishments for 2018

  • Resource contact for the dairy industry of South Dakota for state and federal agency inquiries.
  • Provided for a lobbyist to monitor all proposed legislation and testify as per resolutions and guidance from board.
  • Provided for an attorney lobbyist to monitor State permitted CAFO rules proposed by DENR.
  • Meetings with congressional staffs regarding immigration issues.
  • Associate membership in American Dairy Coalition and National Milk Producer Federation, providing timely input and information flow back to membership on national dairy policies.
  • Legislative candidate forum host. 
  • Correspondence with other State producer organizations for national input and review of policies/legislation.
  • Involved with Ag Unity and the SD Animal Industry group informing legislators regarding activities affecting dairy farm families. 
  • Meetings with Congressional staff to update them on organization and issues at federal level affecting dairy industry in SD. 
  • Correspondence with SD- DENR on EPA regulations affecting membership and input on CAFO General Permit reauthorization and CERCLA. 
  • One on one meetings with congressional staff and Governor Daugaard.
  • Participated in Governors- Ag Summit.
  • Participated in Midwest Dairy Association’s Dairy Crisis Drill to prepare industry for a crisis scenario if one was to ever happen and to maintain consumer confidence in dairy.
  • Numerous media inquiries.
  • Provided expert neutral parties for permit hearing on dairy CAFO application.
  • Provided nominee for Governor’s appointment to ADA of SD board position, Vet Diagnostic lab- SDSU and Central Plains Dairy Assn.
  • Provided input on funding scenarios of SDSU- Animal Disease Research Diagnostic Lab with Governor’s office and legislators.
  • I-29 Dairy Leadership Consortium Planning committee with Dairy Extension Specialists from surrounding states.
  • Margin protection program informational meetings.
  • Future dairy leader training program.
  • Ag Fest participant during 2018 legislative session.
  • Participate with Ag Unity and other ag groups for coalition building to further interests of ag farm families.
  • Ag United for SD Board: Accepted two SDDP board members and Ex. Dir. to be Ag United board members. Ex Director serves on executive committee. Common voice for all of SD livestock industry.