South Dakota Farm Bureau Members Plan Washington, D.C. Visit

 More than 20 members of the South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation will be meeting in Washington, D.C., next week to carry the message of South Dakota farmers and ranchers to the state’s congressional delegation and other key leaders.

 “This is a key time for farmers and ranchers to deliver the Farm Bureau policy message,” said SD Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal.  “The farm bill has passed the House and is being formed now in the Senate.  Farm Bureau supports a bill that will provide an adequate safety net for family farmers, fit into the budget priorities, meet the standards of trade agreements, and allow U.S. ag producers to meet foreign demands.”

 Meetings have been scheduled with Representative Herseth Sandlin and Senator Thune, as well as with Senator Johnson’s staff.  Other agenda highlights include a briefing from American Farm Bureau Federation staff, a meeting with USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Bruce Knight, a visit with Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of the Humane Society of the U.S., and a visit to the South Korean embassy.

 The group will brief leaders on Farm Bureau’s farm bill priorities, as well as discuss other issues important to South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers including animal identification, trade, and environmental legislation.

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