SDCGA Applauds Thune Ag Committee appointment

The South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA) congratulates South Dakota Senator John Thune for his appointment to the Senate Agriculture Committee. His position on the committee will be a tremendous advantage for South Dakota producers as Congress enters into discussions on the next Farm Bill.

“South Dakota producers’ voice just got stronger in Washington and the SDCGA applauds Sen. Thune for his achievement,” said Reid Jensen, SDCGA president. “The Farm Bill is the biggest piece of policy that affects agriculture and Sen. Thune’s influence on the Senate Ag Committee is a great thing for South Dakota corn producers.”

Sen. Thune’s appointment marks the first time since 1962 a Republican Senator from South Dakota has had a seat on the Senate Ag Committee. The Farm Bill is written in the ag committee and Thune’s presence will ensure that South Dakota’s interests are protected. The Senate Republican leadership chose Sen. Thune for the post.

Thune was also recently chosen out of all the Republican senators by Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi, the incoming Senate Republican Whip, to serve as his Chief Deputy Whip for the 110th Congress, which makes Sen. Thune Lott’s first assistant.

“Sen. Thune’s outstanding leadership skills have caught the attention of his Republican peers as he has been chosen time and again for leadership roles in the Senate. We are excited to work with Sen. Thune to fight for provisions important to South Dakota as farm bill discussions get underway,” said Jensen. “Sen. Thune has always been an advocate for South Dakota agriculture, whether it’s been renewable fuels production, rail transportation or expanded markets, and the SDCGA is encouraged by his new role on the Senate Ag Committee as he works to make a difference for South Dakota producers.”

Sen. Thune will begin his two-year tenure on the Senate Agriculture Committee when the 110th Congress convenes in January 2007.