Seminar 2 of Soybean Genesis Leaders
The Soybean Genesis Leaders Program, sponsored by the SD Soybean Checkoff and presented by SDARL, had a State Government seminar in Pierre on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.
Class members had a close look at state government and the legislative process. Representative Drew Peterson (R-19), a member of Class 1 of the Soybean Genesis program, started the day with a discussion of being one of just a few agriculturalists in the state body. Next the class went to the Capitol for a briefing with Governor Kristi Noem and Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden, touching on current ag issues including pipelines and foreign ownership of ag land.
Later the group heard from Nathan Sanderson, Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association, on the structural factors that make South Dakota state government operate in a stable and efficient manner. Next was an update on the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources from Deputy Secretary Brian Walsh, a member of SDARL Class XII.
The class capped off the day in the Capitol for a discussion of legislative issues with Rob Skjonsberg, a registered lobbyist for the South Dakota Soybean Association and a leader in Pierre on agricultural legislative issues.
Despite the cold weather, the Genesis Leaders group had an excellent day in Pierre and a unique opportunity to meet with a variety of people who work together to address the issues affecting the ag economy in South Dakota.
The next seminar for Soybean Genesis Leaders will be in Brookings on Feb. 16, looking at soy industry innovations.
