Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune recently addressed the Senate floor, discussing the challenges faced by American farmers and ranchers. Thune emphasized the significance of agriculture to both South Dakota and the nation, expressing concerns over increasing input costs, high interest rates, lower commodity prices, and natural disasters affecting agricultural producers.

Thune criticized past administration policies, particularly those under President Biden, which he claimed imposed burdensome regulations and neglected market access expansion. He noted that these issues have led to increased inflation impacting farmers through higher input costs.

Highlighting a change in direction with President Trump’s administration, Thune expressed confidence in Brooke Rollins as the nominee for secretary of agriculture. "Mrs. Rollins grew up in the small, agricultural town of Glen Rose, Texas," Thune stated, noting her background working on a family farm and her educational pursuits at Texas A&M.

Rollins has experience from her roles in President Trump’s first administration and involvement with agricultural policy during Governor Rick Perry's tenure. According to Thune, she is committed to several key priorities if confirmed: delivering disaster aid promptly, controlling animal disease outbreaks like bird flu, completing an updated farm bill, and revitalizing the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Thune expressed eagerness to collaborate with Rollins on strengthening the farm safety net and improving management of national forests such as Black Hills National Forest. He also stressed the importance of distributing $31 billion in disaster assistance passed by Congress last December.

"Mr. President," Thune concluded his remarks, "Brooke Rollins understands the mission of USDA...and she has the expertise to deliver results."