Local farm advocates attend National Farmers Union fly-in

South Dakota Farmers Union members joined nearly 250 farmers and ranchers from across the country in Washington, DC, for National Farmers Union’s legislative fly-in. Participants urged congressional members to extend the 2002 Farm Bill, pass immediate emergency disaster assistance, support renewable fuel production and advocate on behalf of fair trade, not “free trade.”

 “Personal office visits gave us the opportunity to take rural America’s concerns to Washington,” SDFU President Doug Sombke said. “We were able to explain to members of Congress the vital need to protect our farm safety net through an extension of the 2002 Farm Bill, the importance of receiving disaster relief for struggling producers, and urge them to support renewable fuels and fair trade.”

 A highlight of the fly-in was joining members of Congress and representatives from various ag-based agencies in calling for immediate disaster relief to assist the damaged farms and ranches devastated by drought. All three of South Dakota’s congressional representatives joined in the press conference.

 The impact of the press conference resulted in members of congress vowing to get disaster assistance passed prior to the November recess. No action has been taken yet, but there is still time remaining.

 Overall, the fly-in was a successful advocacy effort and the producers voice was heard in DC.  In all 20 South Dakota producers attended the event.  They include Melanie and Doug Sombke of Groton, John Sumption of Frederick, Kevin Radke of Groton, Michelle Pollard and Jason Madsen of Sioux Falls, Dallas and Carol Sombke of Groton, Larry Birgen of Beresford, Greg Vanderpol of Gregory, Rodney and Chelsea Tobin of Pierpont, Delmar Mueller of Ethan, Jason Medhaug of Rosholt, Matt  McLarty of Sioux Falls,  Louie Kehn of Bonesteel, Chad and Michelle Johnson of Groton and  Erwin and Bev Fossum of Fargo, North Dakota, and AJ Steffen of Burke  

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