Governor Noem Signs Executive Order on DANR Merger
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed Executive Order 2021-03 to merge the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, forming a new Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR).
“With this merger, we are fostering sustainable agriculture and conservation that we can pass on to our kids and grandkids,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “This merger will simplify life for South Dakota’s agriculture producers by creating a one-stop shop in state government. It will also save taxpayers money by streamlining the state’s regulatory bodies,eliminating redundancies, and creating a better customer service experience for all.”
Hunter Roberts, current Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources andacting-Secretary of Agriculture, will serve as the cabinet secretary for DANR.
“Governor Noem has a tremendous vision for the next generation of agriculture, and we’re excited to see it through,” said Secretary Hunter Roberts. “I’m excited for the synergies that this merger will create.”
Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden, who previously served as interim-Secretary of Agriculture, will continue serving in his current role of Agriculture Ambassador.
“Governor Noem and I are the only farmer/rancher duo in the country to be serving as Governor and Lieutenant Governor,” said Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden. “We are excited for the potential that this merger has to unleash the next generation of agriculture for our state. I look forward to continue working as an ambassador to the agriculture industry.”
In addition to other groups, the proposed merger has the support of the South Dakota Farm Bureau. Based on a vote of their convention delegates, representing county farm bureaus throughout the state.
“We believe this merger will make government work better for farmers and ranchers and will strengthen the future of agriculture,” said Scott VanderWal, President of the South Dakota Farm Bureau. “The agriculture industry is continually evolving, and thanks to Governor Noem’s leadership, South Dakota continues to be on the leading edge of that evolution. There is no better time than now to solidify agriculture’s role in protecting our environment and natural resources while ensuring our industry in South Dakota remains economically viable and growing.”
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My spirit animal is a church mouse living in the small hole in the corner of the governor’s office.
🙂
A slap in the face of us hardworking farmers and ranchers. Noem claims this is to cut costs. If she stayed home and actually worked for us that would save money. I am a lifelong Republican but she is the worse governor we have ever had. The Ag industry is the lifeline of South Dakota and we farmers and ranchers deserve better. Never Noem again.
Nick, have you forgotten the “Waters of the US” rule Obama’s EPA rolled out just 6 years ago? it would have put most of eastern SD into EPA – controlled drainage basins and crushed farmers with rules and record-keeping? Biden’s already brought in the same people to EPA and no doubt they’ll bring this one back.
More then ever Ag and Natural Resources need to be the same department to help farmers navigate what’s coming.
and . . . WOTUS is law again. Took two whole days for the Left to take control of drainage of 50% of the property in America.
Nick if you are actually a lifelong Republican in South Dakota you may actually be the most offline, unknowledgeable, “worst” not worse; red dog Republican ever.
Tell us how any farmer will be hurt or any regulation not followed under statute by this merger?????
Good government serves agriculture. This merger enhances the influence of agriculture into state department which most effects and regulates their largest asset-land.
Additionally, it gives an opportunity for the environmental people to inform and communicate best practices direct to the farmers.
The only people/person not served are the few jobs being eliminated including a Department Secretary.
The only thing Noem knows how to sustain is a lie.
Nick, the tree-huggers are already complaining that this will be a case of the fox guarding the henhouse.
They think the Ag industry will deliberately destroy the environment, produce toxic food for us to eat, and give us all cancer.
The WOTUS regulation was based on the assumption that property owners will poison their own wells if the EPA doesn’t harass them.
Most of us comprehend that nobody is more invested in environmental sustainability than the people who make their living off the land. The people who don’t get it don’t know where their food comes from.
Nick, the tree-huggers are already complaining that this will be a case of the fox guarding the henhouse.
They think the Ag industry will deliberately destroy the environment, produce toxic food for us to eat, and give us all cancer.
The WOTUS regulation was based on the assumption that property owners will poison their own wells if the EPA doesn’t harass them.
Most of us comprehend that nobody is more invested in environmental sustainability than the people who make their living off the land. The people who don’t get it don’t know where their food comes from.