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Individuals, family partnerships or family corporations own 98% of all U.S. farms today. |
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2012 SDFB Priority Issues
Legislative Issues
Ag Land Taxation
- Monitor implementation of the productivity-based system to ensure assessed valuations accurately reflect productivity
- Encourage County Directors of Equalization to use actual use of agricultural land as an adjustment factor, rather than basing assessments on the concept of "highest and best" use
Agricultural Research
- Work to secure an adequate, stable source of funding for agricultural research programs
Animal Care
- Ensure animal care laws and regulations protect proper animal husbandry practices and provide protection for livestock owners
Health Care
- Work with business and health care groups to develop a South Dakota health care exchange
Labor
- Assist in finding ways to ensure that farmers and agricultural businesses have an adequate, legal work force
Property Rights
- Encourage legislative oversight of government land purchases
- Improve communications among landowners/sportsmen/public officials
- Protect property rights against unnecessary threatened and endangered species regulations
Value-Added Agriculture
- Expand livestock production opportunities
- Develop ag districts in zoning plans
- Recognize site approval as a “right-to-operate”
- Assist farm families of all sizes and species of livestock
- Expand production and use of renewable energy
Other Issues
- Continue to provide education on proper use and the benefits of drain tile management
- Promote proper resource and technology use in nutrient management
- Work to protect fair treatment of landowners in wetlands policies and Endangered Species actions
- Promote additional energy resources, including the Keystone pipelines, Hyperion oil refinery, and wind
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