HURON, SD – The South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) will be hosting its annual policy meeting July 22. Director Chad Johnson of Groton says they’ll be discussing drought impacts and cattle market competition during the virtual meeting.
“I think we’ll hear a lot about the drought, issues with cattle, especially concentration in the packing industry where only four packers control 85% of the meat market,” said Johnson. “Packers are making $1,100 a carcass while the guy feeding them for a year is either breaking even or barely getting by.”
He says they will also talk about the recent decision from the USDA Risk Management Agency to allow producers who planted cover crops on prevented plant acres to hay, graze or chop those crops prior to November 1.
Johnson says policy development in the SDFU is a grassroots effort and their recommendations will be brought up before the full membership at its annual convention where that policy will be finalized.
“In a grass roots approach, we know that not all experiences in agricultural production are equal,” says Johnson. “When we set policies, that is a part of the equation which translates to a united voice when we speak with state and federal representatives.
All special orders and policy changes must be submitted to the state Farmers Union office or [email protected] by July 19.
