4 January 2013

2 minute read

North America

Agriculture is the primary industry in Dakota and state secretary of Agriculture, Walt Bones, agrees with the direction Govenor Daugaard’s policies have taken.

“Knowing that agriculture is the primary industry investing in our rural communities, we have an opportunity to set the stage for the next generation of livestock production in South Dakota."

“In human terms, it’s also a dialogue about the next generation of farmers and ranchers in our state,” added Walt Bones.

The project aims to firstly communicate the vision the politicians have for South Dakotan livestock sector. This includes forums held by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture to discuss challenges and positives.

The second goal is to support a local presence for agricultural development. SDDA congratulates and supports the efforts of the First District Association of Local Governments in gathering site-ready locations for livestock development in Moody, Grant and Brookings counties.

Goal No. 3 is to provide resources and training for South Dakota livestock producers. SDDA is providing support and services to producers through collaborative training opportunities and updated livestock development checklists.

The final goal is to explore ways to embrace local control when it comes to livestock development. “We have listened to the concerns expressed by townships and counties,” Secretary Bones said. “Their issues have been heard.”

“Our livestock producers are held to a high standard,” Wal Bones added.

“With abundant feed, water, affordable land, processing capabilities and a favorable business climate, we think there is no better place to be in livestock production. We look forward to helping our current and new livestock producers, and we appreciate the demand they create for our grains and forages.”

SDDA is currently working with legislators, industry stakeholders and local governments on ways to support and be a resource for livestock development.

TheCattleSite News Desk