Ag groups divided on department merger

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – Ag groups in South Dakota are split on Governor Kristi Noem’s plan to merge the state Departments of Agriculture with Environment and Natural Resources. South Dakota Corn Growers Association President Scott Stahl says they haven’t taken a position, yet.

Also not taking an official position yet is the South Dakota Soybean Association and the State Cattlemens Association. South Dakota Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal says they support the merger.

South Dakota Farmers Union lobbyist Mitch Richter says his group opposes the merger.

The South Dakota Pork Producers Council have taken a neutral position on the merger while Dakota Rural Action is opposing the combining of the two departments.