“The Lathams are a great example of the positive difference young producers can make for agriculture,” explained Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union. “By prioritizing advocacy and making time to help set state and national policy, they are working for the future of family ranchers and farmers in Harding County and across the state.”

Jason and Kaeloni raise cattle with their sons Jaydon, 10; Jarrett, 8 and James, 3 and Jason’s parents, Darwin and Kay. Advocating for their lifestyle and livelihood is the reason Harding County, South Dakota ranchers, Jason and Kaeloni Latham became actively involved in South Dakota Farmers Union.

“Agriculture is the number one industry in Harding County and South Dakota. Through Farmers Union we are able to advocate for agriculture. By helping agriculture thrive, we are keeping our way of life alive,” Kaeloni said.

So even though they have three young sons and a cow/calf operation to run, the couple makes time to serve the industry they love.

In 2024 the Lathams traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with Congressional leaders and advocate for more oversight of the meat packing industry. The couple became involved in Farmers Union Enterprises Leadership program and attended the organization’s national convention. And in the fall of 2024, the couple helped re-start the Harding County Farmers Union organization and currently serve as the country organization’s President and Secretary.

“If nothing changes, nothing changes. So, we are working to make change and we want our friends and neighbors to join us,” Jason said. “Where we live, Farmers Union is not that well known, but it should be because they are fighting for all the things we as family ranchers care about and need.”

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew attended the first meeting to share an update on the Department of Justice progress working on anti-trust issues. It was held at a café in Buffalo and about 60 of the Latham’s friends and neighbors attended. During their first organized meeting, they were able to recruit several new members.

“We are members of several ag organizations, but we feel Farmers Union is the only organization that actually gives us the opportunity to talk for ourselves,” Kaeloni said. “The other organizations ask us for our thoughts and then they take the thoughts to D.C. Farmers Union took us to D.C.”

Learn more about how South Dakota Farmers Union works to support family farmers and ranchers by visiting www.sdfu.org.