Work Continues for South Dakota Farmers and Ranchers
By Sen. John Thune

It’s harvest season in South Dakota, and once again combines are rolling across fields to bring in this year’s crop. Farmers work hard all year, but harvest time really shows their strength and work ethic, and I’m grateful to the South Dakota farmers who are working overtime out in the field.

I know that times have been tough for farmers and ranchers. I hear it from South Dakota producers as I travel around our state. They have had to face headwinds from higher input costs, depressed commodity prices, and uncertainty in their supply chains, not to mention natural disasters.

When Republicans passed the landmark Working Families Tax Cuts last year, farmers and ranchers were top of mind. In addition to tax relief that benefits agriculture producers, this bill also made significant improvements to many of the programs that farmers and ranchers depend on. It bolstered crop insurance, raised reference prices for every covered commodity, and strengthened livestock disaster assistance programs.

This year, farmers are seeing the results of this bill, especially as commodity program payments go out for the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts strengthening the farm safety net and raising reference prices, South Dakota producers will see a significant increase in payments from these two programs.

The Working Families Tax Cuts was significant, but it’s not the end of our work. Advancing a farm bill remains an important priority. In September, the Senate Agriculture Committee reported out a farm bill, and it now awaits consideration by the full Senate. This bill contains a number of important priorities for South Dakota producers. It includes measures I’ve authored to increase transparency in fertilizer markets, strengthen smaller meat processors, and reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling for beef. And this farm bill also allows for the permanent, year-round sale of E15 fuel, which would help South Dakota producers and contribute to lower fuel costs nationwide.

Agriculture is the lifeblood of South Dakota, and this time of year you can really see it. Farmers aren’t done when they bring in the harvest and fill their bins; there’s always more work to do. Our work in Congress continues as well, and I’m hopeful that we’ll get a farm bill across the finish line soon.

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Memorable Moments: Leadership in Agriculture
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
October 16, 2026

As I reflect on my time in Congress, I’m reminded of the accomplishments and moments that have made these last eight years so meaningful. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be highlighting some of the work I’m most proud of from my time serving South Dakota and the people who make our state such a special place.

Monday was National Farmers Day, and I found myself reflecting on the countless conversations I’ve had with South Dakota producers at county fairs, in the fields, and in communities across our state. Agriculture is at the heart of South Dakota’s economy and way of life. Our farmers and ranchers work hard to feed and fuel the world.

That’s why agriculture has been a priority throughout my time in Congress. I’ve served on the House Agriculture Committee each of my terms in Congress, including as chairman or ranking member of two subcommittees. In 2023, I was honored to receive the Golden Plow Award from the American Farm Bureau Federation for my leadership on agriculture issues. I was also recognized as the most effective House Republican on agriculture issues in both the 116th and 117th Congresses.

Johnson receives the Golden Plow Award in 2023

This Congress, I was proud to see nearly two dozen of my priorities included in the House-passed Farm Bill. From strengthening rural communities to supporting producers and expanding opportunities for American agriculture, this legislation is full of policies that will help South Dakota’s farm and ranch families.

A handful of my agriculture bills have been implemented administratively, like the Cattle Contract Library Act, the FEEDD Act, and the Butcher Block Act, which has helped small meat processors in South Dakota like Wall Meats. I’ve also worked to get year-round sales of E15 approved in the House, which would give consumers a more affordable option at the pump while creating new demand for South Dakota corn growers.

Serving South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers has been one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Their hard work keeps our state and country moving forward, and I’ll always be proud of the work I’ve done to stand up for them in Washington.

Johnson talks with farmers at Ag Appreciation Day at the Sioux Empire Fair

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The Mike Rounds campaign is calling foul this weekend on false, negative attacks from dark money groups allied with the Bengs campaign going hard negative. Because it seems that they are leveling false attacks on US Senator Mike Rounds because Bengs is just that desperate:

Date: October 15, 2026 at 12:47:46 PM CDT
Subject: Message re: the latest attacks against Senator Rounds…

Hello friends, here is a message from our campaign…

Dear SDGOP Leaders:

We appreciate all you do and are doing to help elect Republicans in South Dakota. Your work over the next 19 days will be critical to our success on Election Day.

This morning, a Democrat dark money group from Florida launched an attack on Mike that calls into question Mike’s character. We wanted you to hear directly from us that this ad makes claims that are completely false.

I’ve known Mike for over half of my life and some of you on this email have probably known him longer than I have. I’ve always known him to be a man of integrity and honor. South Dakotans know Mike, his family and their character. I believe that these attack ads – all of them – will fall flat, but I wanted you to hear the truth from us.

The truth is that Mike voted with every Senate Republican to ban members of Congress from stock trading early this month. Every single Democrat and Independent voted against this ban. That’s noteworthy as our fake “independent” opponent said earlier this week there wasn’t a single item that came to mind that he would have broken with Democrats on and voted with Republicans. Our opponent and his Democrat friends are doing this to distract from his radical viewpoints that are out of step with South Dakotans. 

Mike has a solid record to run on. He is pro-life and received an A+ rating and endorsement from Right to Life. Mike’s opponent received an F rating. Mike is a staunch defender of the Second Amendment and received an A+ rating and endorsement from the NRA. Mike’s opponent has an F rating. Mike voted to cut your taxes, while his opponent wants to raise taxes and expand Obamacare.  The Fake Independent can’t defend his policies – so he attacks.

This election is common sense versus crazy and we need your help. Please remind Republicans in your county that early voting has started. Additionally, our team will be out in the field now through the election. If you or anyone in your county would like a yard sign, we would be happy to deliver them to you. Please fill out the link here. We appreciate all of your support.

Best,

Rob Skjonsberg
Rounds for Senate

Why are the Bengs allies this desperate? Because quietly, Bengs filed his pre-election campaign finance report. And it seems like there’s a lot of wheel spinning:

BengsPrePrimary2026.pdf by Pat Powers

Bengs reported raising $891,068.55. Except he spent $801,984.14 to get there, leaving him $145,703.12 for the last few weeks of the election. 

It reminds me of when Annette Bosworth ran years ago. She raised a tremendous amount of money.. but it cost her a tremendous amount of money. Here again we’re at a massive burn rate.

Compare Bengs’ $145,000 on hand to Senator Rounds who has $1,747,953.19 – over ten times the amount that Bengs has.

All that Bengs and his dark money allies have left is to start throwing mud at Rounds.

Because nothing else seems to have worked to date.

Gov. Rhoden Announces Brenda Tidball-Zeltinger as Interim Social Services Secretary

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced that Brenda Tidball-Zeltinger will serve as the interim Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS), effective today.

“Brenda brings a rare combination of expertise, discernment, and compassion. As she takes the reins at DSS, I trust that citizens will be well cared for as she focuses on elevating our programs and improving outcomes for South Dakotans,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “I appreciate Secretary Althoff’s service to South Dakota and recognize the significant time, long hours, and extensive travel he committed to leading the agency.”

Tidball-Zeltinger will follow Secretary Matt Althoff, who has led the agency since 2023 when he was appointed by former Governor Kristi Noem. Secretary Althoff will complete his service as Secretary on Friday, October 16, with a desire to spend more of his time in Sioux Falls closer to his family.

“During my time at the Department of Social Services, we have helped children, families, and so many South Dakotans through some of the most difficult times in their lives,” said Matt Althoff. “I’m full of gratitude for the opportunity to serve South Dakota in this capacity for the past few years, and I trust that the people of the Department will continue to strengthen families by fostering health, wellbeing, and independence.”

Tidball-Zeltinger currently serves as the Deputy Secretary of DSS and has 35 years of experience in state government. During that time, she has led transformative efforts across multiple areas of the department focused on modernizing service delivery and strategic use of technology. She continually supports teams to examine services through the lens of the South Dakota children and families that DSS serves.

“It has been an honor to serve the State of South Dakota. I will approach this position with the same diligence and passion for public service,” said Brenda Tidball-Zeltinger. “Social Services is there for families during some of the most difficult times in their lives, and that responsibility inspires our work every day. I am truly blessed to serve alongside employees who are committed to strengthening families through compassionate service and responsible stewardship.”

Brenda Tidball-Zeltinger is a graduate of the University of South Dakota School of Business, and lives in Pierre with her husband, Damon. They are proud parents of their daughter, Samantha. When she is not serving South Dakota families, Brenda enjoys time on the Missouri River, fall football weekends, and gathering with family and friends.

A new facebook page is up from insiders with the Re-Elect Mike Rounds for US Senate campaign to check out – the Mike Rounds War Room.

You can find it here. Check it out, as it will likely be the focal point as the campaign responds to the last minute attacks from out of staters.

Like Brian Bengs, (at least recent residents from out of state like Bengs).

You don’t see this every day.

D6 Democrat Legislative candidate Austin Wolf has been trying to stir up interest in his race. And today, he decided that he should go yell at his running mate outside KELO in a bout of “quit copying me,” as if he was a child sitting next to a sibling in the back seat of a car. From Facebook:

Not sure that’s going to be a winning tactic, as much as a whining one.

SECRETARY OF STATE MONAE L. JOHNSON THANKS LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR INTERCEPTING SUSPICIOUS ENVELOPE

(Pierre, S.D.) – Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson thanks law enforcement for their quick response in intercepting an envelope containing suspicious white powder before it reached the Secretary of State’s Office in the Capitol.

“I would like to thank all of the law enforcement officers involved for their quick response,” said Secretary Johnson. “Special thanks to Capitol Security, DHS, DPS, the FBI, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. We are very grateful for their work and dedication to keeping our office safe.”

The Secretary of State’s Office appreciates the coordination among the agencies involved and their continued service to South Dakota.

From KELOland news, apparently, someone didn’t want to sign their ticket for FWI.. farming while intoxicated:

Republican state Sen. Mark Lapka refused to sign a complaint issued to him on Oct. 9 in McPherson County, a court document filed said.

The space where Lapka or the defendant is to sign was filled with the word “Refused.”

McPherson County Attorney Austin Hoffman said the signature portion is a way for a defendant to state they agree to attend the court appearance. The DUI charge requires a court appearance, Hoffman said.

Read the story here.

I’m sure this will be an interesting explanation.

Attorney General Jackley Issues Official Opinion Concerning Impact Of Federal Rescheduling of Marijuana on State Law

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has issued an official opinion stating that the federal rescheduling of marijuana as a Schedule III controlled substance will not impact South Dakota’s Medical Marijuana program.

“Because federal law explicitly permits state medical-marijuana programs, South Dakota’s program may continue to operate as it has without impact from marijuana’s federal rescheduling to a Schedule III controlled substance,” wrote Attorney General Jackley.  “How the program functions in the future will be a policy determination at the discretion of the Legislature or the voters of South Dakota.”

State Sen. John Carley, who is vice chairman of the legislative Medical Marijuana Oversight Committee, had requested the official opinion.

Attorney General Jackley in his opinion stated that the federal DEA, in its reclassification of marijuana, also provided “an explicit pathway” in which participants in state medical-marijuana programs can register with the federal government and continue to operate.

Attorney General Jackley’s opinion can be read here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/OfficialOpinions/opinionhtml.aspx?id=1779#gsc.tab=0

The Dakota Scout offered a bit of hilarity in the US Senate Race, as they held Dem/Independent/Whatever US Senate candidate Brian Bengs’ feet to the fire for specifics about what he stands for…

Prior to the press conference, the National Republican Senatorial Committee issued a press release noting that Sanders and King still caucus with Senate Democrats. The NRSC, which has accused Bengs, Osborn and Bodnar of being “fake independents,” argues that they would not receive committee assignments, which would deprive their states of representation.

“The fake independent circus is fooling nobody,” said Bernadette Breslin, the NRSC’s national press secretary. “Bengs, Osborn, and Bodnar are Democrats who would caucus with Democrats and fight for the radical left’s agenda if elected to the U.S. Senate.”

and..

Asked if there were any Senate votes they would have broken with Democrats on and voted with Republicans, none could name a recent issue.

“I’m focused on the future here,” Bengs said.

Read that here.

So, Brian Bengs claims to be be an independent spirit… but is suddenly struck mute when asked where he would have broken from Chuck Schumer?

Fake news is a bit clichè at this point.   I think Fake Indy is more on target when it comes to Bengs.

*** Bonus Bengs Bungle ***

Has anyone pointed out to Brian Bengs that he has a problem with state and federal laws? In that he has no disclaimers on his signs?

I don’t see any “paid for by” here. Especially not in a box, as is required in federal elections. Oops..  Kind of a “no no” at state and federal levels.

12-27-15. Political communications to contain certain language–Exceptions–Violation as misdemeanor. Any printed material or communication made, purchased, paid for, or authorized by a candidate or political committee that disseminates information concerning a candidate, public office holder, ballot question, or political party shall prominently display or clearly speak the statement: “Paid for by (name of candidate or political committee).”

and from the Federal Elections Commission,

Remember that any public communication made by a political committee, including communications that do not expressly advocate the election or defeat of a candidate or solicit a contribution, must display the proper “paid for by” disclaimer. This includes (but is not limited to) billboards, yard signs and media advertising.

As you see Brian violating state disclaimer law violations, those may be reported to your local State’s Attorney. Instructions for reporting his signs’ federal violation to the Federal Elections Commission can be found here.