RAPID CITY, S.D. — Yesterday [May 19, 2021] the South Dakota Stockgrowers were privileged to join the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources forum on drought throughout the Western United States.
Joining Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-AR), other Republican committee members, as well as Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD) was SDSGA Region 1 Vice President Les Shaw of White Owl, SD to give testimony and field questions.
“It was my privilege to testify before the committee”, Said Shaw. “I want to thank Rep. Johnson and the committee for the opportunity and for giving the SDSGA the opportunity to help form legislation that producers badly need.”
Many items were discussed by the Republican members of the committee. Shaw was able to give a firsthand account of some of the tough decisions producers in our region are making right now sharing how the down market coupled with drought exacerbates and already dire situation. He also shared experiences with how water pipelines and other emergency drought programs have helped their operation survive during difficult times.
Congressman Johnson said, “It was an honor to have Les Shaw, a SD Stockgrowers leader, tell my colleagues of the serious drought and market problems facing ranching families.”
