3 months ago
in Agriculture
Photo: WNAX
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has issued an executive order to merge the State Agriculture Department with the State Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Some South Dakota Agriculture groups have voiced opposition to that merger but the State Farm Bureau backs it. President Scott VanderWal says while putting those two departments together is good, they oppose any legislation calling for electing the State Agriculture Secretary.
He says having the State Ag Secretary elected also could create problems with those who don’t understand agriculture helping decide who fills that position.
VanderWal says there are several advantages in merging DENR with the Agriculture Department.