Guest post: farmers need markets not bribes

South Dakotan Julian Beaudion is the Democratic candidate for US Senate. He heard the frustration with the Trump Organization at the SD Farmers Union annual meeting in Huron.

Yesterday, I attended the 110th Annual South Dakota Farmers Union Convention and spent time with farmers and ranchers from every corner of our state. I heard the same message I have been hearing all across South Dakota. Rural communities need leaders who listen, show up, and deliver.

We talked about rising input costs, tight margins, and the uncertainty many producers are facing right now. We also talked about the urgent need to pass a strong farm bill that works for producers and rural towns, not just corporate interests. While the current farm bailout may provide short-term relief, it is not a long-term plan. South Dakota farmers need solutions that bring stability and certainty so families can plan for next season and the next generation.

I also joined the Farmers Union policy discussion, where producers spoke directly about what is working, what is not, and where the system is falling short. The conversations were honest, practical, and rooted in real life.

Across this campaign, I have heard the same priorities again and again. Farmers want fair cattle markets with real competition and clear pricing. They want strong enforcement of competition laws so that consolidation does not squeeze family operations. Many also raised the right to repair, so producers can fix their own equipment and control costs when time matters most.

There was also strong concern about foreign ownership in key parts of our food system. I heard broad support for moving toward mandatory country-of-origin labeling. These steps protect producers, strengthen our supply chain, and help consumers know where their food comes from.

Farmers also talked about raising families in rural South Dakota. Rural childcare and after-school programs matter so that farm families can work, hire help, and keep small towns growing. At the same time, we should protect SNAP for kids and seniors, stop EBT theft, and make sure these programs are run with integrity.

South Dakota’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities deserve leadership that focuses on real solutions, not short-term fixes. If you believe in standing up for family farms and small towns, I invite you to join this campaign and help us build a stronger future for South Dakota.