Our farming and ranching families represent not only the backbone of our state’s economy but the source of healthy and affordable food for all of America’s families. Indeed, 95 percent of the farms and ranches in South Dakota are independent, family-owned operations and are responsible for the care and sustainable management of over 90 percent of the land in our state. These family farms and ranches provide a proud culture and heritage for our entire state.
South Dakota has an obligation to continue that tradition of small, family-owned farming and ranching operations throughout our state by keeping our farms in good hands generation after generation. That means recognizing opportunity at home to competitively market our foods, and creating opportunity abroad to export our products. That also requires partnerships that extend technology, research, and good paying non-farm jobs to the countryside. In this way we can ensure viable farming and ranching operations and enriching rural communities for all members of our families.