Category Archives: Story

News, Story

SDFU President Calls for Repeal & Replace of Fuel Economy Rule to Include Octane and Higher Ethanol Blends

Speaking at the National Farmers Union National Convention February 26, 2021, South Dakota Chapter President Doug Sombke said ethanol advocates need to prioritize support for a high octane standard in the new fuel economy rule that could triple demand for ethanol over the next decade.
Sombke and NFU are spearheading a “Repeal & Replace” campaign along with ethanol producers and other organizations to ensure the announced revision of the previous Administration’s Safe Affordable Fuel Efficiency (SAFE) rule increases the minimum octane standard in U.S. gasoline and recognizes the significant carbon sequestration benefits of corn ethanol.
Sombke noted that EPA had previously requested comments on octane and how it could be increased consistent with Title II of the Clean Air Act, which includes the requirement that the agency limit toxic and carcinogenic aromatic compounds currently used for octane.
“A 98-100 Research Octane Number (RON) would open the market for high octane, low carbon ethanol blends like E30”, said Sombke. “ Automakers have confirmed that they can significantly increase efficiency with this level of octane. Using ethanol we reduce carbon emissions to meet not only climate change goals but to protect against particulate emissions that can carry Covid and other viruses.”
With the future of the RFS uncertain after 2022 it is critical that ethanol create new demand, he said, and ethanol is well positioned to contribute to the Biden Administration’s goals of climate, health, environmental justice, and renewable energy. He also dismissed any immediate threat of electric vehicles, pointing out that with 270 million gasoline powered cars on the road and 15 million more being sold every year there will be continued reliance on gasoline. Less than 2%of current vehicles are electric with most experts predicting an increase to just 5% over the next decade.
 And, he added, EPA is required to reduce the toxics in gasoline. “They need to do their job and protect public health now, regardless of if and when we see EVs make a significant impact on the auto market.”
 We are seeing new science emerging every day with respect to the carbon sequestration value of corn, making corn ethanol’s ghg reductions superior to anything in the market today. Couple that with promising test results on E30 here in South Dakota and in the soon to be released state test in Nebraska and we have a great story to tell, said Sombke.
“That is why our mantra needs to be high octane and low carbon to ensure we can address the core of the problem which, for the foreseeable future, is gasoline.”
News, Story

Living Roots Tools and Cover Crops Discussion set for March 10

As part of its March Planning Webinar series, the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition will host the Living Roots Tools and Cover Crops Discussion at 1 p.m. CST on March 10. This free program will offer a discussion on cover crops, the benefits of keeping living roots in the soil year-round, and instructions for using the Midwest Cover Crops Council’s Cover Crop Decision Tool. With the growing season soon to begin, now is the time to plan for this year’s cover crops.

To learn more about this webinar, which is being provided with assistance from NRCS South Dakota, South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts, visit tinyurl.com/Mar10-covercrops.

News, Story

City Council Meetings Tonight

The Winner City Council will meeting this evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

The Gregory City Council will meet this evening at 6:00 p.m.  at Gregory City Hall.

The Chamberlain City Commission will meet at 6:00 p.m. at the Chamberlain City Offices.

News, Story

Governor Noem Signs Legislation to Simplify Youth Hunting and Fishing

Governor Kristi Noem signed House Bill 1034, which simplifies youth hunting and fishing requirements in South Dakota.

“2020 was a tremendous year for youth hunting and fishing in South Dakota, and we’re building on that for the future,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “The goal of this legislation is to get more young people involved in our outdoor way of life at an early age so they continue those experiences long into their adulthood.”

House Bill 1034:

  • Provides consistent age requirements across all youth licenses for those under the age of 18;
  • Allows resident and nonresident youth to fish without a license;
  • Allows nonresident youth age 15 and under to participate in the mentored hunting program with a resident sponsor;
  • Clarifies small game license and deer license requirements for youth.

In 2020, South Dakota saw increases in youth and first-time hunters. The state also sold a record number of licenses for youth-mentored hunting. And South Dakota saw increases in youth combo licenses as well as resident and nonresident fishing licenses.

News, Story

Johnson Requests Information on Unspent COVID-19 Funds

 U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) supported a resolution to President Biden’s COVID-19 relief package to require the administration to provide accounting reports on unspent COVID-19 relief funds from previous bipartisan packages.

“Congress has dedicated more than $4 trillion to pandemic recovery and relief but data suggests there is nearly $1 trillion unspent,” said Johnson. “I have requested more information on these unspent funds from the White House and received no response as to when they will be allocated to assist struggling Americans and small businesses. H. Res. 127, requires the administration to turn over all documentation & accounting of what existing COVID related funds remain unspent.”

“As Congress debates an additional $1.9 trillion package, transparency regarding existing funds is critical. If President Biden’s bill passes, relief efforts will have cost every American $17,000. With vaccine developments and COVID cases on the decline, we need to start thinking seriously about the lasting economic impact additional stimulus may cause our country. Simply put, we need this information before asking American taxpayers to foot the bill for trillions more in stimulus.”

News, Story

SDSHC Resiliency Tools and Drought Discussion Set for March 3

The South Dakota Soil Health Coalition will host a Planning Webinar Series on Wednesdays in March. The first webinar, Resiliency Tools and Drought Discussion, will be held at 1 p.m. CST on March 3. This free program will feature a climate outlook, an explanation of Natural Resources Conservation Service’s South Dakota Drought and Grazing Tools, and a discussion with SDSHC directors on how to build drought resiliency into agricultural operations. With the entire state currently in some stage of drought, this webinar is the perfect chance to begin planning for dry conditions this season.

To learn more about this webinar, which is being provided with assistance from NRCS South Dakota, South Dakota State University Extension, South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts, visit tinyurl.com/Mar3-drought.

News, Story

Chase the Ace Event in Gregory

The “Chase the Ace” promotional event will begin Monday, March 1, 2021 at 5:15 PM CST which is sponsored by the Gregory Dallas Chamber of Commerce.

One can purchase $5 tickets each week to be entered. One ticket will be drawn each week. A person gets to draw a card out of the deck. (if they aren’t present, someone in attendance will draw for them) if it is the Ace of Spades, they win 50% of the pot. if it is not the Ace of Spades, they win 10% of that weeks ticket sales and the remainder goes into the pot. you can watch each week on Facebook Live or at that week in person location. Tickets can be purchased from Suzanne Braun at 831-9773, Chamber Board Members, or at the location of that week’s drawing.

News, Story

Governor Noem Issues Statement on Attorney General Ravnsborg

Yesterday, Governor Kristi Noem issued the following statement in response to the conclusion of the investigation into the fatal crash involving Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg and Joseph Boever:

“Now that the investigation has closed and charges have been filed, I believe the Attorney General should resign. I have reviewed the material we are releasing, starting today, and I encourage others to review it as well.”

News, Story

SDSU Extension Partners with Grocers for Double Up Dakota Bucks

Some South Dakota grocery stores are now offering participants of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) a chance to double up on fresh fruits and vegetables. Supported by SDSU Extension, the United States Department of Agriculture and the Fair Food Network, Double Up Dakota Bucks doubles the value of SNAP benefits when used on fresh fruits and vegetables.
“This program is aimed at helping those disproportionately affected by nutrition, particularly children and families,” says Samantha Dvorak, SDSU Extension Family and Community Health Associate. “Families are able to stretch their SNAP food dollars with the purchase of healthy foods, while farmers sell more produce and local retailers get more business.”
A grant-funded pilot program, Double Up Dakota Bucks doubles the value of SNAP dollars spent on fresh produce. For every $1 spent on fresh fruits and vegetables, $1 is matched, up to $10 to $20 per customer, per visit. Participants can then return to the retailer to redeem Dakota Bucks for more fresh fruit and vegetable purchases.
Participating South Dakota retailers for SNAP/Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) participants are:
  • Lakota Thrifty Mart, Dupree
  • Cahoy’s General Store, Lake Andes
  • Buche Foods, Oacoma
  • Buche Foods, Wagner
The goal of the program is to encourage the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables and thus, cash cannot be used in place of the coupon. However, more than one coupon can be redeemed at a time to go towards the purchase of fresh produce.
The reason this program is limited to SNAP/EBT customers and locations, Dvorak says, is because it is a grant-funded pilot program. South Dakota and non-South Dakota residents using an EBT card can earn and redeem Double Up Dakota Bucks only at the store where the coupon was earned. Other SNAP-eligible items will continue to ring up at a regular price.
News, Story

SDSU Welcomes New Horticulture Faculty Member, Extension Specialist

The South Dakota State University Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science, along with SDSU Extension, has named Dr. Kristine Lang to serve as an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Consumer Horticulture. A native of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, Lang brings an extensive background in horticulture research and community outreach to her new role.
“We are delighted to have Kristine Lang join our Horticulture team. Her enthusiasm and passion for working with others who love horticultural plants is unmatched,” says David Wright, SDSU Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Department Head and Professor. “Her talents and knowledge of ornamental plants and vegetable crops are a perfect fit for SDSU Extension. She will lead the development and distribution of environmentally sound best management practices for ornamental landscapes and vegetable crop production on small-scale farms.”
“SDSU Extension is privileged to have Dr. Lang join our team of professionals,” says Karla Trautman, SDSU Extension Director. “Kristine has already gotten off to a great start, meeting with colleagues and constituents. We are so excited to have her expertise and passion for horticulture production as a part of our outreach portfolio, and we look forward to her leadership in providing impactful educational programs, information and resources for the citizens of South Dakota.”
Prior to joining SDSU, Lang served as an Extension Scientist for the Rodale Institute at the Midwest Organic Center in Marion, Iowa, where she assisted farmers across 12 states as they navigated the National Organic Program standards during the 36-month transition period to United States Department of Agriculture certified organic production. This assistance ranged from providing organic market and seed source options to addressing agronomic concerns, such as cover crop establishment or weed management.
During her formative years as a horticulturalist, Lang worked for three local garden centers, served as a design intern for two natural playgrounds and worked briefly as a florist. She spent two years as the Assistant Greenhouse Manager for the Agricultural Experiment Station Research Greenhouse at North Dakota State University, where her she managed the integrated pest management program for five campus greenhouse facilities.
Lang holds a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture and Communication from the University of Minnesota-Crookston and a doctorate in Horticulture and Sustainable Agriculture from Iowa State University. Her dissertation examined how high tunnel vegetable crop production could be optimized through grafting, cultivar selection and microclimate modification.
Lang credits her father for her passion for horticulture — from home gardening and landscaping to garden center management and large-scale food crop production. She hopes her broad set of horticultural experiences will equip her to address a variety of consumer questions from across the state. She is also excited to join the ongoing work to support South Dakota specialty crop producers by designing relevant, applied research projects.
“I hope to empower more South Dakotans to take up gardening and feel confident in gardening, and support Master Gardeners in their important work of local outreach,” Lang says. “I’m also really excited to work alongside staff at McCrory Gardens to celebrate public gardens as both a teaching and research tool. One of my goals is to provide relevant programming on gardening and small farms topics that the public is really interested in. I also want to amplify local food production through research and outreach by building relationships with specialty crop producers and working with SDSU Extension colleagues, the Local Foods Education Center on campus and partner organizations across the state.”