Ranchers and farmers gathered Monday at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel Convention Center for the 134th Annual South Dakota Stockgrowers Association Convention, discussing key agricultural issues facing the state and nation.
A hot topic was cell-cultured meat, with lawmakers like Rep. Karla Lems and Sen. Mark Lapka questioning the legitimacy of labeling lab-grown products as “meat.” They emphasized traditional cattle-raising methods and voiced concerns over consumer understanding.
Also making headlines was the potential spread of screw worm disease from Mexico. Rep. Julie Auch advocated for temporarily closing the border to stop infected cattle imports, while Cattlemen’s Beef Board CEO Greg Hanes assured the public that U.S. beef remains safe and the issue is treatable.
The convention continues through Wednesday, drawing attention to pressing challenges and opportunities in agriculture.
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