Congressman Dusty Johnson’s Weekly Update: Rooted in Rural America

Rooted in Rural America
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
May 1, 2026

BIG News

I’ve met with ag producers across South Dakota and they all agree – we need a Farm Bill. Farmers and ranchers want certainty as they plan for the future, and outdated farm policy is holding them back.

This week, we got one step closer to providing that certainty: the House passed the Farm Bill with my support. This legislation contained a dozen of my priorities to support rural America and South Dakota producers. These investments in American agriculture strengthen communities, secure our food supply chains, and put our producers first.

My bills to expand processing capacity outside of the Big 4 meat packers, protect American trade, end California’s Prop 12 requirements, and support working lands conservation were included in the Farm Bill.

BIG Idea

Access to high-speed internet brings e-commerce, education, and socialization to the most remote areas of our state. Federal programs to deploy rural broadband and connect all Americans must be implemented to maximize impact. The Farm Bill I just passed strengthens this connectivity.

This week, I met with the South Dakota Telecommunications Association to discuss how the Farm Bill supports their work and additional ways to achieve a more connected South Dakota.

 Johnson meets with South Dakota Telecommunications Association members

BIG Update

South Dakota continues to grow – that’s great news – but it presents challenges when it comes to a ensuring a sustainable water supply for future generations. I testified in the House Natural Resources Committee on behalf of my bills to help the Lewis & Clark, Dakota Mainstem, and Western Dakota water projects receive the approval they need to move forward. Each system would draw water from the Missouri River to provide ample resources for communities in eastern, southeastern, and western South Dakota. Together, these projects will reach more than half of the South Dakota population.

It’s hard to overstate the importance of water – I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with these water systems to ensure South Dakota remains healthy and strong for generations to come.

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