If there’s no objection from South Dakota legislators, the merger of the state departments of Agriculture and Environment and Natural Resources will become effective 90 days from today (Jan. 19, 2021).
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem signed an executive order (Executive Order 2021-03) to join the two agencies forming the new Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR).
Hunter Roberts, current Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources and acting-Secretary of Agriculture, will serve as the cabinet secretary for DANR.
Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden, who previously served as interim-Secretary of Agriculture, will continue serving as Agriculture Ambassador. A Noem spokesman says in that role, Rhoden corresponds with agriculture producers across the state to ensure their concerns are properly considered in the new department’s overall mission.
Scott VanderWal, President of the South Dakota Farm Bureau, says they believe the merger will make government work better for farmers and ranchers. He says the ag industry is continually evolving, and there’s no better time than now to solidify agriculture’s role in protecting the state’s environment and natural resources while ensuring the industry remains economically viable.
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