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South Dakota Cattlemen set policy priorities

The past president of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association says the state’s cattle producers are focused on conservation and private property rights.

Eric Jennings says the association opposes a proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management that elevates conservation uses and challenges grazing land access.

“Things go back to the original 30×30 proposal President Biden signed in his first days in office. We’re getting little initiatives and proposals to accomplish those goals.”

Jennings says there were lengthy discussions on strengthening and private property rights.

“We’re still in a position where we want eminent domain only to be used in cases of the public good, not for the benefit of public industry.”

He says the updates to policy will become priorities for the association in the upcoming year. The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association had their annual convention in Watertown this week.