Biotech versus Convention Seed - Concern is increasing about the availability of good, high quality germ plasm in conventional seed. Several aspects of this issue are currently being discussed and debated within the farm community. Farm Bureau policy contains numerous statements in support of biotech seed, but contains minimal language regarding conventional seed. Is conventional seed availability an issue for farmers?
     BiotechVsConventionalSeed.pdf     Produced by American Farm Bureau

Forest Carbon Markets - With the development of voluntary carbon markets, and possible consideration of federal climate change legislation in 2009, the issue of carbon credits for forest landowners is becoming increasingly important. A large segment of Farm Bureau members could earn carbon sequestration revenue. Certain croplands and grasslands might also be eligible. Should Farm Bureau policy address converting existing pastureland and croplands to forests to obtain carbon credits? Should Farm Bureau policy treat cropland sequestration projects and forestry sequestration projects equally?
     ForestCarbonMarkets.pdf     Produced by American Farm Bureau

Milk Pricing - The Federal Milk Marketing Order system was created in 1937 to assist dairy producers/processors with milk marketing and many in the dairy industry believe the system is not reflective of the sector in 2009. Recognizing milk production and delivery systems have changed in the last 70 years, producers, processors, and policymakers are now wondering whether there is a better option than this system. Cornell University Extension Economist, Mark Stephenson, lays out four alternative pricing options. To ensure current policy meets the needs of dairy producers now and into the future, discussion by Farm Bureau members is critical.
     MilkPricing.pdf     Produced by American Farm Bureau

Public and Animal Health - Attempts to restrict antibiotic use in food animal production are increasing. Coupled with a host of other issues related to the links between food production and animal health ensures amplified scrutiny for producers. Swine flu is just the latest example that certain diseases affect both human beings and animals. Does Farm Bureau policy deal thoroughly with the interactions between animal health and public health? With medical community opinion divided and scientific research inconclusive as to the transmission of many human/animal diseases, where should grassroots producers concentrate their efforts to promote consumer confidence in the food they eat?
     PublicAndAnimalHealth.pdf     Produced by American Farm Bureau

Sustainable Certification - The word “sustainable” is the new buzz word for environmentally and socially-conscious consumers. Utilization of certification methods in the market place to designate products developed or grown under sustainable conditions is increasing. Recognition and support of this practice is noted in Federal legislation and by consumers. The current proliferation of certification schemes is causing havoc in the marketplace. Currently, there are two sustainable forest management/product certification systems in the United States. Should Farm Bureau have policy addressing certification systems? What policy could Farm Bureau articulate to assure broad acceptance of wood as a sustainable, renewable resource in building and construction?
     SustainableCertification.pdf     Produced by American Farm Bureau

Traceability and Labeling - Improved traceability and labeling systems are viewed as important for maintaining foreign market access. Combined with the somewhat different but related concepts of identity preservation and product segregation, these systems could impact nearly all agricultural commodities. Further discussion by Farm Bureau members is needed regarding the following questions: What impacts could these programs potentially have on the agricultural sector? Should Farm Bureau support a traceability system? If so, what should a system look like? Would it encompass on-farm practice audits? Would traceability ensure timely identification of an outbreak’s point of origin and minimize market disruption?
     TraceabilityAndLabeling.pdf     Produced by American Farm Bureau

SDFB Policy Development Discussion Sheets

The SDBF has prepared discussion sheets on the following five issues for potential policy development for the 2009 state convention. There are four state and one national issue which raise questions needing further discussion by farmers and ranchers. The purpose of these discussion sheets is to provide background information to help facilitate discussion at the county Farm Bureau level.

Animal Damage Control: The SD Department of Game, Fish & Parks is restructuring the animal damage control program to rearrange the workload of trappers. This is driven by budget cuts and an attempt to use current resources more efficiently. Livestock owners are concerned that the changes will reduce the effectiveness of GF&P's coyote control efforts. What approach should Farm Bureau promote for the Animal Damage Control program?
     AnimalDamageControl.pdf     Produced by South Dakota Farm Bureau

Animal Health Statutes: South Dakota law gives the state Animal Industry Board the authority to implement an animal identification system for the sole purpose of maintaining animal health and ensuring the safety of the food supply. Attempts have been made the past three legislative sessions to prohibit or restrict South Dakotans from participating in the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). Farm Bureau has resisted these efforts because they would have weakened the state's animal health laws, they would have precluded even voluntary involvement by those who wish to participate in the NAIS, and NAIS is a federal issue.

American Farm Bureau policy concerning NAIS is quite comprehensive. SDFB policy contains one sentence addressing NAIS. Do we support our current state law, and does the AFBF policy adequately address our concerns?
     AnimalHealth.pdf     Produced by South Dakota Farm Bureau

Expanded Export Market Access for U.S. Beef:   For the past two years, the U.S. government's policy has been to pursue beef market access agreements that were fully consistent with the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Political, technical and commercial conditions in many leading export markets preclude achieving fully OIE-consistent agreements in the near term. Should American Farm Bureau support only fully-consistent agreements, or should AFBF policy support incremental market access programs?
     ExpandedExportMarketAccess.pdf     Produced by South Dakota Farm Bureau

Local Road Funding: South Dakota transportation officials estimate that local roads and bridges (county, township and municipal) need $81 million each year in additional funding. SDFB policy supports increasing the fuel tax, but that revenue can only be used for state - not local - roads. Are there funding alternatives we should support for local roads?
     LocalRoadFunding.pdf     Produced by South Dakota Farm Bureau

Veterinary Worker Shortage: South Dakota law specifies the animal care practices that constitute the practice of veterinary medicine. Anyone practicing veterinary medicine without a license is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor. At the same time, there is a growing nationwide shortage of food supply veterinarians. Should Farm Bureau support changes to the state's veterinary practices act?
     VeterinaryPracticesAct.pdf     Produced by South Dakota Farm Bureau