Farm Bureau members waiting to see if legislators increase ag fees

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The South Dakota legislature begins the 2020 session on Jan. 14. Farm Bureau Lobbyist Mike Held says the primary challenge facing lawmakers will be how to divide up the state budget to fund needed programs.

He says Farm Bureau members are watching to see if legislators increase agricultural fees to raise revenue for the budget shortfall.

Held says the main holdover issue from last session is whether to legalize industrial hemp production.

Held says the hemp debate may center around FDA’s ruling on CBD oil. He also says the summer study committee will present their hemp plan to lawmakers and Governor Kristi Noem.