NEW UNDERWOOD, SD – Following the aftermath of a busy legislative session, the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) hosted a recap and plans for moving forward during a member meeting.
On the docket was everything from the state branding board to lobbying to the controversial proposed Meade County shooting range.
Matt Kammerer, SDSGA secretary/treasurer a and Meade County rancher, took aim at the shooting range.
“What this is going to do is put a 150 car-day-average down our road in Meade County and all the money is going to go back to Pennington County. We’re going to deal with the road issue, we’re going to deal with costs, we’re going to deal with ambulances, we’re going to deal with fire. And Pennington County is going to take all the motel rooms, the restaurants … all the money is going back to Pennington County. Meade County is going to be left holding the bag.”
Kammerer said he thinks the SDSGA should begin teaching ranchers how to navigate the state capitol as a means to have greater influence among lawmakers.
“Let’s teach people what they need to know when they go to the legislature. Let’s teach ourselves how we need to fight because I tell you what, it’s going to get a hell of a lot worse than a shooting range.”
James Halverson, Executive Director for the SDSGA, said all it takes is, “two or three cowboy hats” to make a difference during committee meetings in Pierre.
Kammerer said producers who opposed the firing range have someone to thank for countering legislation not supported by the ranching community.
“I used to not think very much about when we voted every year to pay $10,000 to a lobbyist in Pierre,” he shared. But that’s money well spent, folks. You get something like this shoved up your backside, you’ve got a lobbyist sitting in Pierre all week when you can’t be there because you’re calving or whatever you’re doing in that time-period. Our lobbyist is worth every penny we’re paying him.”
Ultimately state funding for the shooting range, a project supported by Governor Kristi Noem, failed to pass despite numerous attempts. However, the South Dakota Game Fish & Parks continues with plans to build the 400 acre complex with private funds and donations. The land has already been purchased by the the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission for $900,000.
