Working for South Dakota’s Farmers and Ranchers
By Sen. John Thune

 You can’t go far without seeing some sign of agriculture in South Dakota – it’s the lifeblood of our state. Advocating for the farm and ranch families in our state is one of my top priorities as a U.S. senator. I’m proud to be a voice for these hardworking South Dakotans who carry on an important way of life that helps feed and fuel our country and the world.

Farmers and ranchers are facing considerable headwinds today, and we need to deliver an updated farm bill that ensures farmers and ranchers have the resources they need to face today’s challenges and tomorrow’s. I’m disappointed that a new farm bill was not a priority for Democrats during the Biden administration, and I remain committed to finishing our work and sending an up-to-date farm bill to the president’s desk.

Depressed commodity prices and extreme weather events are among the challenges facing agriculture today.  At the end of last year, Congress approved the $10 billion Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, which provides economic assistance for farmers and ranchers. South Dakota producers qualify for this aid, which is now available through the Farm Service Agency. Additional aid for farmers and ranchers affected by natural disasters will be available soon.

Improving the farm safety net is a priority of mine in the next farm bill. Crop insurance is the cornerstone of the farm safety net, and I introduced the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act to make it more affordable for beginning farmers and ranchers in their first 10 years of operation. I also introduced the Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act to help provide greater and expedited assistance to producers when they need it and to improve the drought monitor and other USDA data to make these programs more effective for producers.

I’m also working to help farmers and ranchers adopt next generation technologies in their operations. I recently introduced the Promoting Precision Agriculture Act, which would encourage partnership between the federal government and the private sector to develop standards for connectivity and security so farms and ranches can use precision technology with confidence. And I’m also working to accelerate deployment of broadband in unserved rural areas by encouraging the removal of unnecessary barriers from programs that promise to connect these areas to the internet.

Farmers’ and ranchers’ priorities are always at the top of my priority list. I remain committed to providing critical tax relief to American agriculture, including ending the death tax once and for all. I’ve also introduced legislation to restore mandatory country of origin labelling for beef. And as always, I continue to advocate for new markets for our agriculture commodities and support year-round, nationwide access to E15.

Life on a farm or a ranch isn’t easy. It involves backbreaking work and the consistent risk that a storm, drought, or an early freeze will wipe out herds or crops, sometimes in an instant. Add market fluctuations, and processing and transportation challenges. It’s a hard way to make a living. But despite its many challenges, it is a tradition worth living. I’m proud to serve the extraordinary men and women who keep the rich agriculture heritage of South Dakota alive and work to feed America and the world.

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Rhoden RhoundUp
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
March 21, 2025

One of my favorite parts of serving the people of South Dakota is visiting communities around the state. I like to look folks in the eye, shake their hands, and gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities that they face.

I recently launched my Open for Opportunity Tour across the state. The first week of visits was pretty great. You can keep track of our progress with the new Rhoden RhoundUp video series that we’ll post every day on social media.

Lieutenant Governor Venhuizen joined me in Sioux Falls. We visited Silencer Central, the nation’s largest dealer, distributer, and manufacturer of suppressors. They’re adding a $20 million expansion to increase their distribution. We toured Scherer, Inc.’s manufacturing facility where they build tools for grain rolling and crushing – they’re making sure that our products are Made in America! We visited the modern new Steel District, including businesses like Burwell Enterprises, Lloyd Companies, and several fantastic restaurants. And we wrapped the day up with a well-attended event hosted by the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.

We spent Tuesday in the Pierre area and started with an interview with Dakota Radio Group’s Jody Heemstra. I celebrated National Ag Day by visiting Ringneck Energy up in Onida and grabbing coffee with Onida residents and area ag producers. A local farmer hosted me for their “lambing” season. And we wrapped the day up with a pancake feed that the Pierre-Ft. Pierre Kiwanis Club was hosting for the community.

On Wednesday, I went to Aberdeen and started the day at Northern State University – President Schnoor showed us their facilities, and I met with several students. I spoke to the local Hub City Radio about our tour. Then, I visited BAE Systems, which produces some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led systems to keep our nation safe. Finally, we swung by ATEC Academy, where Aberdeen-area students are learning career and technical education.

On Thursday, we were a little closer to my neck of the woods in Belle Fourche and Spearfish. I visited Black Hills State University, went to the Belle Fourche livestock market, and spoke at the groundbreaking for the new Belle Fourche Police Department facility – it’s important to me that we continue to show respect and support for law enforcement. Finally, I highlighted South Dakota’s unifying conservation efforts at the launch of a new organization called “Nature Is Nonpartisan.” Our state is living proof that conservation – without government mandates – doesn’t have to damage the economy. In fact, South Dakota does conservation in a way that actually boosts our economy.

One thing I’m proud of: we haven’t heard many complaints of state government getting in the way of opportunity. We have, however, had some folks asking us to advocate to the federal government to have them change policy. So the relationships that we have and are developing with the Trump Administration will be crucial to expand opportunity for South Dakota workers, businesses, and ag producers.

In the coming days and weeks, I’ll visit more communities in every corner of the state. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover! So if you see me in your community, bring me your ideas. Share the opportunities that you’re looking to pursue.

Opportunity is not limited by my vision, or even the vision of any one person in our state. It is as broad as the South Dakota prairie and as high as Black Elk Peak. If we all link arms and pledge to chase down opportunities together, South Dakota will be in pretty good shape.

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Make America Healthy and Patriotic Again
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
March 21, 2025

BIG Update

China’s vaping sector is estimated to be worth $28 billion, but the sale of electronic cigarette devices is banned within its own borders. Thus, China makes a great effort distribute them in America, evading shipping regulations and customs enforcement to do so. If these products are not safe for their own citizens, I question their efforts to smuggle and sell them into the United States.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only 34 electronic cigarette devices, but nearly 9,000 types are sold in the U.S. – the overwhelming majority of which are made in China. We’re aware of the health risks of vaping and smoking, particularly for youth, but there is an added risk of these illegal products from China that haven’t been approved by the FDA – consumers and regulators have no clue what is in these vapes.

I sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Acting FDA Commissioner Sara Brenner to bring attention to this issue and ask them to work together to address this concern. The Trump Administration is uniquely positioned to take a strong stance against this illicit activity and curb the flow of these illegal products – protecting Americans’ health and safety.

BIG Idea

Nearly five years ago, President Trump stood beneath Mount Rushmore and announced his plans to establish a National Garden of Heroes to honor those who have had an impact on our nation. The President recently reaffirmed his goal in an executive order planning the celebration of America’s 250^th birthday. The Lien family, a patriotic family in South Dakota, has offered to donate 40 acres of their land near Mount Rushmore to be the future site of this statuary garden.

For the last two months, I’ve been working with the Lien family, the White House, and Secretary Burgum to get the Garden of Heroes built in the beautiful Black Hills. I’m looking forward to working with the governor and our congressional delegation to make this happen!

Click here  for Johnson’s letter

BIG News

This week, I introduced legislation to prohibit the 340B drug program from being used by health care facilities to fund transgender surgeries and hormone replacement therapy. The No 340B Savings for Transgender Care Act has the support of Riley Gaines, an outspoken advocate on transgender males competing in women’s sports.

I am and will continue to be a strong supporter of the 340B program. This program allows safety-net providers to serve the health care needs of low-income and rural communities. But the program must not be abused by subsidizing gender altering surgeries when our nation faces significant health crises. My bill will ensure these dollars are used where needed most to keep the program sustainable and as effective as possible to help those in need.

Click here  for Daily Caller’s story

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Gov. Rhoden Establishes Child Support Commission

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden established the Child Support Commission. This commission is made possible through Executive Order 2025-02.

“One of my biggest priorities is to keep South Dakotans safe – especially our kids. Children deserve love and support from both parents,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “Establishing this commission ensures that children receive the support they deserve in a way that is fair, balanced, and reflective of real circumstances.”

Governor Rhoden has appointed and commissioned the following individuals to serve on the Child Support Commission:

• Paul Ries;
• Rhyann Gaddis Cudmore;
• Judge Eric Strawn;
• Secretary Matt Althoff;
• Christi Weideman;
• Tom Weerheim;
• Senator Amber Hulse; and
• Representative Mike Stevens.

The Child Support Commission is administered by the Department of Social Services.

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Governor Larry Rhoden signed three bills into law to protect South Dakota values yesterday, including House Bil 1239, the controversial “Librarian Lock-up Bill” introduced by State Rep Bethany Soye to send librarians to county jail if they checked out material to a minor that someone deemed obscene.

The draconian measure from Soye came after a column she wrote last December where she scolded the Sioux Fals Mayor Paul TenHaken for not protecting society’s morality.

The measure, which narrowly passed the house in it’s original form, had a majority of Senators find the measure unpalatable because of it’s criminalization of public employees. Senators took the portion that would have made librarians, teachers, and museum workers subject to arrest in criminal court, and instead gave protections under civil court to those who found material objectionable, creating a process for them to appeal in civil court if a library board rejected their demands to remove material.

In signing this and other measures, Governor Rhoden reiterated a commonsense approach towards legislation.

“South Dakota is a place where commonsense values remain common, and these bills reinforce that fact,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “These bills promote strong families, safety in education, and freedom from the ‘woke’ agenda like what has happened in too many other places.”

Governor Rhoden signed the following three bills into law:

• HB 1174 revises certain provisions related to the rights and obligations of a father of a child born to an unmarried mother;
• HB 1239 revises certain provisions related to the restriction of access to obscene materials in a public library or public school library; and
• HB 1259 prohibits unauthorized access to certain multi-occupancy rooms.

Governor Rhoden has signed 154 bills and VETOED one this legislative session.

Johnson Invites Secretary Rollins to South Dakota

 Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) invited Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to visit South Dakota and experience the traditions and practices of South Dakota farmers and ranchers.

“It would be an honor to host you in South Dakota to meet some of these hardworking farmers and ranchers,” Johnson wrote. “I would like to invite you to join me in participating in one of the time-honored ranching traditions – an overnight calving this spring or cattle branding this summer. In South Dakota, ranching is a way of life and I would like to provide you a glimpse into the life of these producers who are feeding the world.”

Read the full letter here.

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Exciting Start to Spring for South Dakota Teenage Republicans

At their March 16 Executive Board Meeting, the SD Teenage Republicans unanimously selected their new Sponsor: longtime GOP organizer Catherine Barranco. TARs is an auxiliary of the South Dakota Republican Party. At TARs events, Republicans between the ages of 13 and 18 unite to learn about government, encourage political involvement among the youth, and help carry Republican candidates to victory.

Having completed her record-breaking term as President of the Republican Women, Mrs. Barranco is ready to hit the ground running.  “I am excited to work with such a fantastic group,” Catherine said. “The energy from Kayla Randall and her Executive Board is electric! There’s a bright future ahead for South Dakota’s young patriots!”

First Lady of South Dakota Sandy Rhoden remarked: “Catherine is a perfect fit! I’ve known her for years – we worked together rebuilding SDFRW. I have full confidence she’ll make TARs stronger than ever!” Catherine and her husband, Sioux Falls Councilman David Barranco, have two sons, Christopher (13) and William (10).

With a new Sponsor guiding the way, the Teenage Republicans are excited to announce the return of TARs Camp this summer. Camp will be July 21-26 in the Black Hills, with more details to follow. “TARs Camp is an exciting, fun-filled, unforgettable week in the Black Hills,” Barranco said. “We’ll release more information soon.  For now, save the date!”

If you or someone you know would be interested in getting involved in TARs or if you’d like to be added to the email list, send a message to TeenageRepublicansSD@gmail.com or reach out to one of the TARs Executive Board members:

• Chair  – Kayla Randall
• Vice-Chair – Aidyn Melville
• Secretary – Melody Gilkerson
• Treasurer – Andrew Chaney
• District Representative – Will Penfield
• District Representative – Bailey Dorneman
• District Representative – Brode Malfaro
• District Representative – Ashton Adams

South Dakota Democrats continue to dominate in political party fundraising here in South Dakota, as the SDDP has filed their latest FEC report.

SDDP March 2025 FEC Report by Pat Powers on Scribd

South Dakota Democrats started with $78,412.74 cash on hand, to which they added $29,065.62 in fundraising, spending $33,403.69 to leave them with $74,074.67 after all is said and done for the month.   As compared to the SDGOP who filed their report noting $32 dollars raised as I reported last week, opposed to Democrat’s $29 thousand.

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On a positive note for the SDGOP, they finally filed their FEC forms today noting Tina Mulally is in charge of their financial paperwork (god help them), only about a month late.

As they can only raise $30 for a month, no wonder the SDGOP is telling the media:

The state GOP’s executive director, Reggie Rhoden, announced he is leaving that administrative role. It could be filled by volunteers or with more involvement from county officials, said Eschenbaum…

Read that here.

Johnson Calls on Trump Administration to Crack Down on Chinese-made E-Cigarettes 

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) led a letter urging the Trump Administration to take action on the influx of unauthorized Chinese-made e-cigarettes and vapes sold in America.

“The large-scale smuggling of these illicit vaping products – accounting for more than half of all vapes sold in the U.S. – undermines American public health priorities and contributes to a significant increase in youth vaping,” the members wrote. “Youth vaping as a general matter is dangerous and directly harms consumers, including minors in particular, but the continued importation of these unapproved products, often through deceptive transshipment tactics, also violates U.S. trade laws.”

“The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is fueling this crisis,” the members continued. “The mislabeling of e-cigarette shipments, evasion of customs, and attempts to bypass U.S. Customs and Border Protection demonstrate clear and deliberate intent to turn a blind eye to one of America’s greatest public health crises. The CCP has banned the sale of flavored e-cigarettes within its own borders yet continues to export these same products worldwide. If these products are deemed unsafe for their own citizens, we must question their efforts to smuggle and sell these products in the United States.”

The letter was sent to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Food and Drug Administration Acting Commissioner Sara Brenner.

The letter was signed by Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL).

Read the full letter here.

Background:

• More than 628,000 illegal e-cigarette products from China were seized by the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January.
• More than 9,000 types of e-cigarettes are sold in the United States – only 34 are approved by the FDA.
• China’s vaping sector is estimated to be worth $28 billion, and the U.S. accounts for nearly 60% of the country’s vape exports, according to the Associated Press.
• Vaping puts youth at greater risk of developing nicotine addictions and harms brain development.

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Rounds, Welch Lead the Deliver for Democracy Act to Help Local News Overcome Persistent Issues with USPS 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today announced that they have reintroduced the Deliver for Democracy Act. This legislation would help rural newspaper delivery by incentivizing reliable service from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for periodical publications and limiting excessive rate increases. Rounds and Welch first introduced this legislation in the 118th Congress in May 2024.

In recent years, USPS has raised rates for periodicals under the guise of increased efficiency and improved service. However, despite this promise, local news continues to face persistent delays in delivery of their products.

“Local journalists work hard every day to deliver news on a timely basis, and the U.S. Postal Service should too,” said Rounds. “Periodical rates have cumulatively increased by over 40 percent since August 2021. Meanwhile, the Postal Service’s on-time delivery performances have not improved, leaving local journalists to pick up the slack by handling delivery on their own in order to make certain their readers receive papers on time. Our common sense legislation helps protect rural newspapers and consumers from unjustified price hikes by making certain the Postal Service is held to a standard for on-time deliveries.”

This legislation is cosponsored by Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The Deliver for Democracy Act is led in the House by U.S. Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.).

The Deliver for Democracy Act is endorsed by the South Dakota NewsMedia Association, the National Newspaper Association and News/Media Alliance.

“Thank you to Senator Rounds for reintroducing the Deliver for Democracy Act and continuing to fight for a Postal Service that is sustainable and responsive,” said Dave Bordewyk, Executive Director of the South Dakota NewsMedia Association. “The members of our association grow anxious by the day worrying about the service reliability and the skyrocketing costs associated with delivering their newspapers to subscribers all across our state and the nation. The legislation proposed by Senator Rounds offers a way forward for the Postal Service and we fully support it.”

“Local journalists play a critical role in keeping millions of Americans informed, but right now the postal system’s unsustainable rates and unreliable service are endangering many of our members. If something doesn’t change soon, they may be pushed out of business, and residents of communities both large and small will see a loss of quality news and information. We thank Senator Welch and Senator Rounds for their leadership and support for the Deliver for Democracy Act,” said Danielle Coffey, News/Media Alliance President and CEO.

BACKGROUND:

The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006 established an inflation-based cap to annual price increases for all market-dominant postal products, including periodicals. In January 2021, the U.S. Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) finalized regulations that established three additional forms of rate authority, including one for non-compensatory classes of mail such as periodicals and package services. Under those regulations, USPS is provided an additional two percentage points of rate authority for any class or product of mail where costs exceed revenue. Since then, USPS has maximally exercised that authority and raised periodical postage rates by over 40%.

Despite such significant rate increases, however, the Postal Service has routinely failed to meet periodicals’ basic needs and achieve the 95% on-time delivery performance standard outlined in its 10-year plan. As a result, local news outlets, which must already navigate other existential challenges, are simultaneously subject to high distribution costs and poor service.

The Deliver for Democracy Act would:

1. Require USPS to either achieve at least a 95% on-time delivery rate for periodicals or an improvement of at least 2 percentage points to unlock its 2% surcharge authority for that class of mail;
2. Direct the USPS to annually report to the PRC on its progress in including on-time delivery data for newspapers in its periodical service performance measurement; and
3. Instruct the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study and submit a report to Congress on options for alternate USPS pricing schemes to improve the financial position of periodicals.

Rounds has been a leader on improving USPS services in South Dakota. In April 2024, Rounds sent a letter to USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy urging USPS to avoid downsizing or significantly reorganizing mail processing operations in South Dakota. Rounds then introduced the Postal Processing Protection Act in June 2024, legislation that would require USPS to consider consequences for rural areas during their closure or downsizing review process in order to protect rural mail processing facilities. Rounds recently reintroduced this legislation in the 119th Congress. As a result, USPS paused the downsizing of mail processing facilities in Huron and Sioux Falls.

Click HERE to read full text of the bill.

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