    In The NewsAg Expo 2021 is Cancelled for the First Time in 71 YearsIt is with deep disappointment that we announce the cancellation of Ag Expo 2021 that was scheduled to be held January 20-21 in Sioux Falls. The boards of both the South Dakota Agri-Business Association (SDABA) and the South Grain & Feed Association (SDGFA) had very lengthy discussions and weighed all options before making this decision. While it was a difficult decision, travel restrictions and health concerns created too much of an unknown factor in determining possible attendance to the event. It has always been a top priority to have a well-attended show for our exhibitors, and a full exhibit hall for attendees. Cancelling Ag Expo does come with a financial cost to both Associations since South Dakota is “Open for Business”, the contracts from both the Sheraton and the Sioux Falls Convention Center remained in force. We were able to negotiate with both facilities and the Sheraton will allow us to use a portion of our guaranteed room block to offer rooms to people undergoing cancer treatment in Sioux Falls. We will keep you informed about that program as information becomes available. Ag Expo is an incredibly important event for both Associations as well as the ag industry, and this is the first time in 71 years that the January event will not take place. However, we are looking forward to planning the 2022 Ag Expo! WATCH FOR DETAILS ABOUT A VITURAL ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD IN JANUARY! Registration is Open for the 2020 Agronomy ConferenceThe 19th Annual Agronomy Conference is scheduled for December 16-17, 2020 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. EARN 20 CEUS IN TWO DAYS! You won’t want to miss the great line up of speakers and topics, including the following:
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Regulatory AlertsRules Hearing to Require Private Applicators to Keep Records The South Dakota Department of Agriculture intends to amend rules to require private applicators to maintain application records and remove the requirement of aerial applicators to submit an aerial application form that is no longer utilized. In addition to some red tape clean up, the SDDA is looking to add rules to require private applicators to maintain application records that are required for commercial applicators as well. This will hold all applicators to the same standard for recordkeeping requirements which is beneficial to applicators when it comes to drift investigations, drift insurance claims, and potential civil court. A public hearing will be held in the DENR Conference Room, Foss Building, 523 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, South Dakota, on October 13, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. CT. Copies of the proposed rules may be obtained without charge from and written comments sent to the Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Services Division, 523 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, South Dakota 57501. The comment period will close on October 23, 2020. This hearing is being held in a physically accessible location. Persons with special needs for which the department can make arrangements may call (605) 773-4432 at least 48 hours before the public hearing. A copy of the proposed rule can be found online at https://rules.sd.gov/Uploads/618_OrginalDraftRules.pdf Worker Protection Standard (WPS) On November 2015 USEPA revised the worker protection standards to implement more protection for agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. Most of the revised WPS standards became effective on January 2018. The WPS requires commercial pesticide handler employers to provide specific information and protections to workers, handlers when WPS-labeled pesticide products are used on agricultural establishments in the production of agricultural plants. Additional resources on Worker ...more
Items of InterestGovernor Noem Announces Merging of Agriculture and Environment and Natural Resources Departments Governor Kristi Noem announced the South Dakota Departments of Agriculture and Environment & Natural Resources will merge to form the streamlined South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Hunter Roberts, the current Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, will be tapped to oversee the new department. Beginning September 8, and until the merger is complete, Roberts will serve as interim Secretary of Agriculture while continuing to also lead the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. South Dakota Nutrient and Education Council (NREC) The South Dakota Legislature passed a bill in 2016 creating and funding the Nutrient Research and Education Council. The purpose of the Council is to request, evaluate, fund and share the findings of nutrient research projects. NREC is funded with 50 cents per ton of fertilizer as part of the fertilizer tonnage fee collected each year by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture. The Council is made up of representatives from organizations of the fertilizer industry, growers, commodities, specialty fertilizer, environmental, and certified agronomy as well as the Ag Experiment Station, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Department of Agriculture, and meets at least twice each year. Current research projects and reports can be found at www.sdnrec.org ResponsibleAg - Committed. Compliant. Safe.Over 2,560 facilities have registered with the ResponsibleAg Certification Program. 1,395 are currently certified, many of which are in their second cycle becoming re-certified. We encourage you to visit responsibleag.org to learn more and see the list of participating members. Click here to read why your peers are in the program. If you aren't registered, don't delay - register today!
ResponsibleAg is an industry-led initiative committed to helping agribusinesses properly store and handle farm input supplies. The program helps members ensure they are compliant with environmental, health, safety and security regulations to keep employees, customers and our communities safe.
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