Questions & Answers

What is Agriculture United for South Dakota?

Heidi Agriculture United for South Dakota is a nonprofit group developed through a collaboration of farm organizations with a goal of keeping family farms and ranches growing. Founding organizations of AUSD includes the South Dakota Cattleman’s Association, the South Dakota Corn Growers Association, South Dakota Farm Bureau, South Dakota Pork Producers Council, and the South Dakota Soybean Association.

What is Ag United’s purpose?

Ag United will work toward promoting and advancing farm and ranch families and rural communities with four guiding principles:

Developing communications on the connection between farm life and South Dakota’s economic and social well-being.
Engaging those who do not tell the truth about agriculture and food production.
Educating consumers about the importance of food production.
Providing assistance to South Dakota farmers and ranchers.

Why has it been created?

South Dakota's farmers and ranchers face many challenges. The legislative and regulatory environment impacting the growth of agriculture in South Dakota has grown increasingly complicated.

Shrinking margins, fierce competition and more demands from consumers have created additional challenges. Combined, they have formed a business model requiring farm families make changes in their operations to maintain a traditional standard of living.

How is Ag United structured?

Ag United is led by a 15 member board of directors. The board includes 10 producers and the Executive Directors of the organizations that make up Ag United.
The officers are: President Scott VanderWal, Volga; Secretary Dave Iverson, Astoria; and Treasurer Jarrod Johnson, Corson.

How will Ag United be funded?

Ag United will receive funding from a variety of sources, including member organizations, agriculture-supporting businesses and individual donations.

Who came up with the idea for Ag United?

Farmers and ranchers expressed a need for specific resources and support. While South Dakota's agriculture and commodity organizations provide a comprehensive assortment of tools, there was a need for a new, one-stop shop. Ag United is the place that farmers can go to receive the help and support they need in an ever changing society.

Why now?

Agriculture contributed $17.8 billion to South Dakota’s economy in 2003. With this type of economic impact to the state, the importance of keeping family farms and ranches growing and viable has never been more imperative. Unfortunately, the past few years have not been kind to South Dakota family farmers and ranchers. Some family farmers and ranchers, multi-generational independent operators, have faced special interest groups that work to suppress growth in agriculture. In doing so, family farmers and ranchers face harassment and other forms of discrimination. This not only impacts their livelihood, but their way of life.

Livestock producers feel overwhelmed, unsure and even a little lost, too. It's important that they have the support, knowledge and assurances they need so they and their families can remain viable members of their community.