PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- Dakota Rural Action was one of the groups that opposed the merger of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

DRA member Stephanie Peterson says they’re now considering their options.

She says they’re worried about how this merger will impact both beginning farmers and ranchers and local and regional food systems.

Merger proponents and the Governor both billed the new department as a one stop shop for farmers and ranchers that would save the state about $450,000 by eliminating five positions. Peterson says DRA doesn’t see great savings from the  merger.

DRA and the South Dakota Farmers Union opposed the merger while the South Dakota Farm Bureau supported it.