RAPID CITY, S.D.(KOTA)- For the states cowboys, this legislative session turned into something of a mixed bag according to South Dakota Stockgrowers Association Executive Director James Halverson.

Halverson said just because a bill doesn’t pass doesn’t mean the effort was a loss.

Halverson said it is too early to determine if ranchland tax relief will come back around next session, but said HB1325, legislation brought by Pennington and Meade county Rep. Kirk Chaffee, “took a bite” out of the taxing issue.

Halverson says state producers should stay tuned as the season approaches.

With the passage of HB1096, South Dakota ranchers have secured more freedom in choosing how to identify their herds.

Halverson said this is about freedom for producers

Those other choices include things like hot-iron brands, ear tags, and animal tattoos.

The SDSGA has opposed mandates for electronic identification.

Halverson says electronics aren’t the issue here.

Halverson said he believes large companies would stand to gain most from an electronic identification mandate.

The SDSGA is officially an “apolitical” organization and its goals are to “promote positive change in the cattle industry” according to Halverson.