Service and Stockyards

BIG Update

Over 54,000 South Dakotans answered their country’s call to serve during the Vietnam War. They showed great dedication during this time, and many were not given a proper welcome home and thank you from their fellow Americans. Over the last several years, I’ve sought to recognize these brave men and women for their service and provide a proper thanks from their country. It has been an honor to provide these veterans with a commemorative pin and my challenge coin. I’ve shaken the hands of over 1,300 veterans and honored over 1,500 through this program. I hope you will join me in continuing to thank those that have defended our freedoms. 

BIG Idea

It was Agriculture Appreciation Night at the Central States Fair in Rapid City this week. This is always a special event and a great chance to connect with producers about the challenges they face. I provided an update on the policies I’m working in Washington, D.C. to support South Dakotans feeding the world. The Farm Bill is moving through Congress, and I’ve been working to get this legislation across the finish line so our farmers and ranchers can have clarity about the future of the agricultural industry. 

BIG News

President Trump signed an executive order this week removing tariffs on 300,000 tons of lean beef trimmings imported into the United States. I have consistently opposed policies that increase foreign beef imports at the expense of American cattle producers. We need to address the affordability challenges our country faces, but the American rancher should not suffer market disruptions in favor of short-term policies. I have raised these concerns with the White House several times, and my position has not changed. American cattlemen have worked hard to rebuild the nation’s herd and meet consumer demand. The additional market pressure will further disrupt the ability of South Dakota ranchers to adequately plan for the future and meet the demands of the market.