Policy Accomplishments for 2019

  • Annual Meeting kickoff in Brookings. Strong attendance in joint meeting with Midwest Dairy and I-29 Moo University.
  • Washington DC Fly-In meeting Chair Marv Post and ED TomPeterson-22 face-to-face meetings in 2.5 days.All SD Congressional offices, USDA, FSA, Senate Ag Committee, and NMPF leadership.Joint coalition with NE and IA State Dairy Associations.
  • SDDP strongly recognized by Congressional Representation in part due to relationships from DC Fly-In: Dusty Johnson and staff, John Thune and staff, Mike Rounds and staff.
    • Follow up in-state meetings with Rep. Johnson hosted at SDSU
    • Crop insurance meeting at Walt Bones with Rep Johnson and board member Allen Merrill
    • Crop insurance meeting with John Thune with board member Greg Moes
    • Persistent dialogue with Dusty Johnson on importance of HR 5038 guest worker bill (House passed and currently pending for bill draft in Senate). 
    • Multiple communications on April storm impact and disaster issues along with trade concerns expressing necessity for relief
  • SDDP influence instrumental to gain support of Dusty Johnson with FEEDD Act and Disaster Relief through WHIP program, leading to new program roll outs through USDA/FSA local offices 
  • Relationship with Secretary of Ag Kim Vanneman off to strong beginning.
    • Dedicated meeting with Secretary at CPDE with Marv and Tom
    • Secretary attended dairy farm tour at Global Dairy with board member Michael Crinion and Tom
    • Secretary attended Dairy Fest Gala hosted at SDDP table with Marv Post and Allen Merrill
  • SDDP board member Michael Crinion meets with NRCS Chief Lohr visit to SD
  • SDDP signs on with letters of support to NMPF/USDEC on trade, tariff and milk labeling
  • SDDP collaboration with Edge and NMPF on Farm Workforce Modernization Act showing unified voice and persistence.
  • New SDDP website launched in 2019 at www.sddairyproducers.org. Newsletters, updates, industry supporters, and contact information available at a click. 
  • State government influence via SDDP representation at Ag Fest, through Ag Unity, and in person representation during SD Legislative session. 
  • Representation at key convening of stakeholders with SD Soy, SD Corn, SD Pork, Farm Bureau, Ag United, and other coalition supporters of production agriculture in SD.