March 21, 2017 • Page 18 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Weekly Column: A Diversity Of Issues Impacting Agriculture By Rep. Kristi Noem I love what Bridger Gordon, a student from Whitewood, SD, wrote about agriculture: “Agriculture encompasses – and enhances – the entire environment, harnessing soil, water, sunlight to produce food, habitat, employment.” That observation helped Bridger win a national essay contest this year, which came with a $1,000 prize and a trip to Washington, DC, to celebrate National Ag Day on March 21. Bridger is right. The impact of agriculture is expansive, which is why America has offered producers a safety net for decades in the Farm Bill. While the deadline is still more than a year away, work on the next Farm Bill is already underway. Hearings have begun and I’m working closely with Ag Committee Chairman Conaway to be sure South Dakota producers have the support they need. The 2014 Farm Bill was one of the most reformed we’ve seen. It maintained strong risk-management programs, strengthened the livestock disaster program, and invested in ag-related research. But improvements are needed. I’m working on legislation, for instance, that would streamline the process for wetland determinations, ensuring producers get a timely response and have an efficient path for appeals. We also must make sure commodity programs work as they were intended. I’ve heard many concerns about how ARC-county was administered, so we’re looking at possible improvements there. Changes to conservation programs, like CRP, are also being discussed. During the last general sign up, only 101 acres were accepted into CRP in South Dakota even though producers submitted applications for thousands more. The numbers don’t add up. In addition to the Farm Bill, I want to make the regulatory environment work better for agriculture. Already, Congress and President Trump have delayed, suspended, or reversed more than 90 Obama-era regula- tions, including many impacting rural South Dakota. The president announced steps to roll back the controversial Waters of the U.S. rule, for example, just weeks after I sent a letter urging him to do so. I’ve also been in touch with the administration on the importance of maintaining a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which helps get ethanol and biodiesel into gas pumps around the country. This is something the Obama administration often fell short on, but I’m encouraged by the Trump administration’s repeated commitments to the RFS. We’re also working on comprehensive tax reform. In 2015, we permanently extended Section 179, which many use when purchasing equipment. I’ve also been supportive of a $1-per-gallon tax credit for biodiesel to help decrease our reliance on foreign oil and increase support for American-grown fuels. More must be done though. In the House’s blueprint for tax reform, we’re looking to lower tax rates for small businesses, simplify the tax code, and repeal the taxes that make it more difficult to pass an ag operation from one generation to the next (this includes the death tax). While ag policy is largely dictated by Congress, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a lot of influence too. I was pleased to see former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue nominated as USDA Secretary. Sonny and I have hunted pheasants together many times. I know he understands our industry because he’s lived it. He was raised on a row-crop farm, became a veterinarian, and at one point even ran a grain and fertilizer business. I’m looking forward to being able to work with him on South Dakota priorities. I am incredibly proud to represent so many farmers and ranchers, the very people who – as Bridger Gordon observed – grow the world’s food, preserve our local habitat, and provide employment for more than 120,000 people in South Dakota. Thank you for all you do. Find BIG Savings... When You Place Your Ad In The Classifieds! AUCTIONS Funds Available For Specialty Crop Advancement PIERRE, S.D. –The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) announces that funds are available for Specialty Crop Block Grants. The funds can be used for marketing, promotion, research, food safety, nutrition, distribution and best management practices to advance the specialty crop industry. Specialty crops are generally defined as fruits, nuts, vegetables, honey and some turf and ornamental crops. A full list of specialty crops is also available on the SDDA website http://sdda.sd.gov/. “These grants give farmers a way to increase the demand for the specialty crops they’re already growing,” said SDDA Grant and Loan Specialist Kimberly DeSchepper. “This year’s projects are maximizing the value of specialty crops and contributing to South Dakota’s greater agricultural economy.” Stakeholders have identified this year’s top priorities as enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops through increased sales, increased consumption and sustainable practices of specialty crop production. Details explaining the application are available at https://sdda. sd.gov/grants/specialty-crop-block-grant/. “This program encourages production of local food within South Dakota because it offers additional resources to those interested in enhancing the specialty crop industry,” said DeSchepper. Applications should be submitted via email to kimberly.deschepper@state.sd.us and four printed copies including an original must be mailed to SDDA at 523 E Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501. Applications are due May 1, 2017. For additional information please contact Kimberly DeSchepper, grant and loan specialist, at 605-773-4516 or visit her at SDDA’s Ag Development Office at 523 E Capitol Ave Pierre, SD 57501. Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect and preserve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit SDDA online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. SD Ag Chat podcasts can be found in the Ag News section at http:// sdda.sd.gov/news.You may subscribe, free of charge, through Google Play Music, iTunes or from https://sdagchat.podbean.com/. Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo April 7 & 8 Posted Monday, March 20th, 2017 by SDSU iGrow Categorized: 4-H & Youth, Animals, Livestock, Beef, Dairy BROOKINGS, S.D. – The South Dakota State University Rodeo Club is hosting the Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo on April 7 at 7:00 p.m. and April 8 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Swiftel Center in Brookings, S.D. Buckles and Bling Fundraiser April 6 The seventh annual Buckles and Bling Fundraiser will be held on Thursday, April 6 at the Swiftel Center. The event will feature a meal, program, both silent and live auctions, and live music. All funds raised go toward Rodeo Team practices and travel expenses. Attendees have the chance to participate in a Calcutta competition, and can sponsor a group of Rodeo Team members with the opportunity to win back money based on how the team members place during the rodeo competition. SDSU Rodeo Alumni and Rodeo Club members host the fundraiser. A social hour begins at 6:00 p.m., with dinner to follow at 7:00 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. Registration is required to attend the event. Tickets can be purchased for $40. A $500 sponsorship table includes two tickets and recognition at the fundraiser. The deadline to register is April 5. Register online at the iGrow events page. Jackrabbit Stampede The Jackrabbit Stampede is a National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association-approved rodeo featuring Bareback Riding, Breakaway Roping, Tie Down Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Goat Tying, Team Roping, Barrel Racing and Bull Riding. Saturday night is Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night. Sutton Rodeo manages the Jackrabbit Stampede. "The Sutton family has had a long tradition of supporting the SDSU Rodeo Club," says Ron Skovly, SDSU Rodeo Coach. "The family started providing stock for the 1956 Jackrabbit Stampede and continues to be committed to making this rodeo the best it can be 60 years later." Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster or the Swiftel Center box office. Discounts are available for advanced tickets purchased at least one day before the rodeos. SDSU students will receive discounted ticket prices with their student I.D. Contact the Swiftel Center