Farmers, Ranchers & Rural Development
PROSPERITY FOR SOUTH DAKOTA'S HEARTLAND
South Dakota’s agricultural roots run deep. From farmers and ranchers who cultivate the land and raise livestock to rural communities that serve as the backbone of the state’s economy, agriculture is integral to the livelihoods of so many South Dakotans. As a candidate for Congress, Sheryl Johnson is committed to ensuring that the voices of these rural communities are heard and that the policies affecting their livelihoods are shaped with their interests at the forefront.
​
In contrast to her opponent's frequent support for legislation favoring big corporations over small family farms, Sheryl Johnson believes in prioritizing policies that uplift farmers, ranchers, and the rural communities that sustain them. Her platform is clear: it’s time to put rural South Dakotans first and give them the tools, support, and opportunities they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
The Importance of Agriculture to South Dakota
Agriculture is South Dakota’s largest industry, contributing billions of dollars to the state’s economy every year. Farmers and ranchers in the state produce vital commodities such as corn, soybeans, wheat, beef, pork, and dairy. These sectors are the backbone of the state’s rural communities, providing jobs, economic stability, and a way of life that has persisted for generations.
​
However, today’s farmers and ranchers face a multitude of challenges: volatile markets, foreign competition, environmental concerns, and policies that often favor large agribusinesses over smaller family farms. Many of these challenges stem from federal policies that do not prioritize the unique needs of rural communities.
Sheryl’s Vision for Farmers, Ranchers, and Rural Development
Sheryl Johnson’s approach is rooted in common sense, fairness, and a commitment to safeguarding South Dakota’s agricultural heritage. Her platform emphasizes three core areas: supporting farmers and ranchers, ensuring rural development, and expanding access to global markets.
​​
-
Supporting Farmers and Ranchers
Sheryl understands that South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers are the backbone of rural communities, but they often face an uphill battle against market forces beyond their control. She is committed to fighting for policies that ensure they receive fair prices for their products and have access to the resources they need to succeed.
-
Fair Prices: Sheryl will work to ensure that farmers and ranchers get a fair return for their hard work. Too often, corporate middlemen and big agribusinesses benefit while the people who actually grow the crops and raise the livestock see their margins shrink. Sheryl supports reforms that bring transparency and fairness to agricultural markets.
​ -
Access to Resources and Technology: Modern farming requires access to cutting-edge technology and resources. Sheryl will advocate for expanded federal programs that help farmers adopt new technologies to increase yields, improve sustainability, and reduce costs. This includes access to precision agriculture technologies and other innovations that help farmers compete in global markets.
-
Strengthening Farm Safety Nets: Sheryl supports maintaining and expanding farm safety net programs like crop insurance, disaster relief, and conservation programs. These are vital tools for protecting farmers against the unpredictability of weather and market fluctuations.
-
-
Promoting Rural Development
Rural communities in South Dakota depend on more than just agriculture; they also need infrastructure, education, and healthcare to thrive. Sheryl is a strong advocate for rural development policies that help small towns grow and prosper.
-
Expanding Broadband Access: ​High-speed internet is a necessity in today’s economy, but many rural communities in South Dakota still lack reliable access. Sheryl will fight for expanded broadband infrastructure to ensure that rural communities are not left behind in the digital age. Reliable internet is crucial for businesses, healthcare, education, and even modern farming practices.
-
Investing in Rural Healthcare: Access to quality healthcare is a major concern in rural areas, where hospital closures and doctor shortages are becoming more common. Sheryl will work to expand federal investment in rural healthcare facilities and telehealth programs to ensure that all South Dakotans, no matter where they live, can access the care they need.
-
Supporting Rural Schools: Education is the foundation of a strong community. Sheryl believes in fully funding rural schools and ensuring that they have the resources they need to prepare the next generation for success. This includes advocating for increased teacher pay and expanded access to vocational and technical training for rural students.
-
-
​Expanding Access to Global Markets
South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers produce some of the best agricultural products in the world, and they need access to global markets to succeed. Sheryl will work to ensure that trade agreements and federal policies open up opportunities for South Dakota’s agricultural producers.
-
Fighting for Fair Trade Deals: Sheryl believes that trade deals must be fair and beneficial for South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers. She will fight against trade policies that harm U.S. agricultural exports and work to open new markets for South Dakota’s products.
​ -
Ensuring Access to Export Markets: South Dakota’s farmers depend on exports to countries around the world. Sheryl will advocate for policies that ensure continued access to these markets, even in the face of international trade disputes and tariffs. South Dakota’s agricultural producers need reliable markets to sell their goods, and Sheryl will work to make sure those markets remain open.
-
A Stronger Voice for Rural South Dakotans
Sheryl Johnson’s commitment to South Dakota’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities is clear. Raised herself on a farm near a small town, raising her own family in South Dakota and working alongside everyday people who share the same values and struggles as the rural communities she seeks to represent. In Congress, she will be a strong voice for those communities, advocating for policies that prioritize their needs and ensure that they can thrive in a changing world.
In contrast, Dusty Johnson’s record in Congress shows a consistent pattern of siding with corporate interests over the needs of family farmers and rural communities. He has voted in favor of legislation that benefits big agribusinesses and corporate monopolies at the expense of small, independent producers. He supported the 2017 tax cuts, which overwhelmingly benefited large corporations while doing little to address the economic challenges faced by rural South Dakotans.
The Incumbent’s Record on Agriculture
Dusty Johnson has consistently supported policies that harm South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers by prioritizing corporate interests. Here are some key points from his record:
-
Support for Corporate Agribusiness: Dusty has repeatedly voted in favor of legislation that benefits large agribusinesses, making it harder for small family farms to compete. This includes supporting subsidies and tax breaks for big corporations while failing to address the challenges faced by smaller producers.
-
Failure to Support Trade Policies that Benefit Farmers: He has supported trade policies that have resulted in tariffs and trade wars, making it harder for South Dakota farmers to access international markets. These policies have had a direct impact on the state’s agricultural exports, causing financial strain for many producers.
-
Opposition to Rural Development Initiatives: And he has consistently voted against infrastructure and rural development initiatives that would benefit South Dakota’s rural communities. This includes voting against broadband expansion and healthcare initiatives that are critical for rural areas.
Sheryl's Plan for a Better Future
Sheryl Johnson knows that South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers deserve a representative who will fight for them, not for corporate interests. Her plan includes:
-
Ensuring fair prices for agricultural products
-
Investing in rural infrastructure, including broadband and healthcare
-
Expanding access to global markets for South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers
-
Supporting rural schools and education initiatives
-
Advocating for farm safety nets like crop insurance and disaster relief
With Sheryl Johnson in Congress, South Dakota’s rural communities will have a representative who truly understands their needs and is committed to fighting for them every day. Together, we can build a stronger future for South Dakota’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
​
For more information on Sheryl Johnson’s policies and vision for South Dakota, visit www.sdmomforcongress.com/issues.