Tell SDFU…

What is the most important issue in the 2010 legislative session facing South Dakota agriculture? Post your comments!

And so it begins…..

The first legislative day is underway here at the Capitol, although somewhat slowly today. Things will be ramping up soon, I am sure.  Bills are filing in fast as we all look for this year to be a productive year, and a chance to be proactive on a lot of issues. If you would like to see the list of bills already filed and track their progress please click here. 
 
While we are on the topic of bills, I do need to make a point of clarification on SB 1- the transportation tax. First of all I made a typo in saying the revenue raised would just go to the general fund, rather the revenue will go to the highway fund. I do apologize for any misunderstanding. For more clarity, I should point out that when I say the tax will not go to counties, I am referring to the fuel tax increase alone. Look for more information next week in the Rural Lobbyist publication SDFU puts out during session. I will break down the bills, including, SB1.

There is a lot of talk about the animal welfare bills being brought this year. I have met with the sponsors of the bill and we will formally sit down in the coming week to hash out details of any proposed bills that deal with animal welfare. As we all know in agriculture, our animals are number one and nothing to endanger our animals or our way of life will be acceptable. Right now the bills are not filed; nor do I believe they will be this week. Please check back for more updates.

Like I said earlier, session is off to a slow start but, as a friend of mine put it last year, the train will be rolling right along soon enough. I can’t recall how many bills were prefiled last year, but this year there are 60+ already in the Senate, I think that will mean long days ahead. But that’s just fine, that is what were here for. Even in the long days ahead, rest assured, your views will be at the forefront of the issues.
Remember to keep checking back!

On the radio…

I was recently interviewed by Jerry Oster on important issues facing SDFU this coming legislation. The interview can be heard on state news programs or by clicking here.

http://kbhbradio.com/podcast.kbhb?f=2822

Livestock Idemnity due to blizzards

Remember back in November when people were saying it is going to be a nice open winter? Funny thing is since then I haven’t been able to find anyone who said those words. Old man winter has moved in on us  like Cousin Eddie on the Griswolds’, and I don’t think he intends to leave anytime soon. I guess we will just grin and bear it, because that is how farmers and ranchers do things.
We all know the increased amount of stress these subzero days and blowing nights can have on the animals, as well as families dealing with the livestock, and the reality of calving, lambing, or foaling ahead. It’s not only going to be tough now, but when it finally melts there could be havoc too. So for the next few months do yourself a favor, keep detailed records of what happened on your place. If an animal does die as a result of the weather write it down and be sure to turn it in to the local USDA officials for your livestock indemnity payment. The sooner you can get the claim in the better, as we all know it takes time to get it all processed. If you are unsure of how to file something get in contact with the offices and they will be more than willing to assist you.

Session starts Tuesday, so tune in regularly for updates from Pierre!

From WNAX…..

Posted: Thursday, 07 January 2010 4:29PM Nebraska Herd Not Linked to South Dakota TB Cases The positive cases of Bovine Tuberculosis in South Dakota cattle are so far not linked to Nebraska.  Nebraska Ag Director Greg Ibach confirms the newest TB case in South Dakota was not associated with replacement heifers from the infected herd in Rock County.   Ibach says they are cooperating with South Dakota on the investigation and there has been no change in TB status or market movement of cattle between the two states. Ibach says they are not sure or not if the South Dakota discovery is linked to an infected elk herd in Nebraska either. Meanwhile, North Dakota is monitoring the investigation to determine if they will restrict movement or require testing.

TB positive cow found in Yankton County.

This is certainly frightening news to find a Tuberculosis positive cow in South Dakota. However, we know our State Vet and the South Dakota Animal Industry Board will work effectively, and efficiently to maintain our TB free status. Below is the press release from the Dr Oedekoven’s office.

 NEWS RELEASE

CATTLE TUBERCULOSIS CONFIRMED IN SOUTH DAKOTA

Contact: Dustin Oedekoven, DVM, State Veterinarian

(605)773-3321

Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010

A Yankton County cattle herd has been found positive for bovine tuberculosis (TB) after a 3-year-old cow from the herd was confirmed to be infected with the disease.

State Veterinarian Dr. Dustin Oedekoven said the herd has been quarantined for additional testing.

“At this time, there is only one confirmed case, but we are taking all of the necessary precautions,” Dr. Oedekoven said.

Herds that have had contact with the affected herd, or purchased animals from that herd, are being tested by state and federal animal health officials. The positive test presents no risk to food safety.

Dr. Oedekoven said South Dakota remains a TB Accredited Free state and has had that status since 1982. The finding of a single affected beef herd will not automatically impact the Accredited TB-free status of the entire state.

*OEDEKOVEN (OH’ dih koh ven)

Disaster in NE SD

Earlier this year South Dakota Farmers Union toured the northeast region of SD which has been pummeled with rain. Membership Director Mitch Fargen and I went along to ask questions while our Communications Director, Chris Studer, shot the video. There are only so many things we can do as far as aid to these farmers is considered. The majority of it is in God’s hands now. However, SDFU has been in talks with crop insurance companies, seed companies and others to do what we can to help our family farmer. Click here to view the footage of that tour.

New Year thoughts

Every December 31st people world wide are thinking back on the year they are about to lay behind them, and the one that lies in the near future. Hopes, dreams, goals and plans are all part of this equation. For us at South Dakota Farmers Union it is no different.

As I think back on 2009 I reflect on a good year for agriculture. We have seen many things start to take shape that we as producers have been wanting to see for some time. I think about my first legislative session where I had the chance to fulfill the wishes of our broad membership, fight for and begin to understand the Farmers Union root ideals.
Now we are rolling into 2010, my sophomore year of being the Legislative Director for SDFU. I get the chance to take all the lessons I have learned in the past year and apply them, hopefully with even more success, this year. To me, it is essential to learn from history, apply it to the strategy and make each year more successful than the last. This is going to be a difficult task to achieve, but like they say: If it were easy, everybody would do it. With that, part of the goal for this blog when we started it a few weeks back was to bring issues concerning SDFU to a central place that our members could sound off on. It is difficult for any of us to get better if we don’t have all the perspectives in front of us. So please, feel free to sound off on issues under the comments. Just remember to keep it clean.
Please have a safe, successful and eventful 2010. And remember to renew your membership with SDFU!
May the snow melt quickly!

Merry Christmas

South Dakota Farmers Union wishes everyone a safe and Merry Christmas, from our farm to yours.