Agriculture
More on Agriculture
BIG Update
Farmers face many factors that they have no control over. They can’t control the weather, commodity prices, or input costs. Yet they work hard every day to feed and fuel the world despite these unknowns.
I introduced the Fertilizer Transparency Act to give farmers accurate, weekly information on fertilizer prices. The United States Department of Agriculture currently publishes this data annually and on a voluntary basis.
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced the bipartisan Fertilizer Transparency Act to increase transparency in fertilizer markets and provide farmers with better information on the price of key crop inputs. The bill would require the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a mandatory reporting program for fertilizer prices and quantities sold in the United States. The data would be published weekly to give farmers clearer insight into fertilizer markets.
BIG Update
Last year, a number of states, including South Dakota, were found to have improperly issued Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) to drivers illegally in this country. In fact, the Trump Administration found that South Dakota was in “systemic noncompliance” with the law. That means someone who is no longer legally authorized to be in the United States could have a valid government ID and drive on our roads.
BIG Update
This week, the House Agriculture Committee passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, also known as the Farm Bill, with a bipartisan 34-17 vote. I’ve met with ag producers across South Dakota and they all agree – we need a Farm Bill.
Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Agriculture Committee passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, also known as the Farm Bill, with a bipartisan 34-17 vote. U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted to pass the Farm Bill which contains dozens of Johnson’s priorities that support farmers and ranchers in South Dakota and across America.
BIG Update
This week, I held a roundtable with producers to talk about issues facing South Dakota agriculture. We covered topics including the upcoming House committee activity on the Farm Bill, my efforts to secure year-round E-15, trade deals impacting South Dakota agriculture, and overall price concerns.
Decisions made in Washington shouldn’t be guess work. It was great to connect with these producers who are in the fields every day to hear their concerns and ideas.
BIG Update
Free, fair, and accountable elections are vital to the survival of our democracy. Without common sense guardrails, our election system is severely compromised. I’ve been supportive of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to protect our elections. It requires individuals to provide proof of citizenship when they register to vote in federal elections. It also requires states to remove noncitizens from existing voter rolls.
The Black Hills Stock Show kicks off this weekend in Rapid City, and there’s no event that captures the spirit of South Dakota quite like it. Each year, the Stock Show brings people together for world-class rodeos, concerts, vendors, and fellowship. It’s a true celebration of our ag heritage and the hardworking folks who make our state great. I’ll be at the Stock Show this weekend and next, and look forward to visiting with folks from across South Dakota and the region.
BIG Update
Ocean shipping is the backbone of international trade, allowing American products to be sold in other countries while giving American businesses and consumers access to goods we don’t make. Even in America’s heartland, ocean shipping is an integral part of our economy.
BIG Update
Many government services are halted during a government shutdown. One of which was the local Farm Service Administration (FSA) offices which provide vital services to producers. I’ve heard from many producers across South Dakota that they need these offices to open so they can cash their checks from commodity sales. Without these funds, many farmers are put in a tough spot. I expressed my concerns to Secretary Brooke Rollins, and she assured me USDA would fix the problem.