Dakota Rural Action is a grassroots family agriculture and conservation group that organizes South Dakotans to protect our family farmers and ranchers, natural resources, and unique way of life.

Dakota Rural Action is a ...

grassroots,

• Dakota Rural Action members come from all walks of life, and serve as spokespeople who guide the decisions of the organization.
• They participate in the organization through local chapters and statewide committees.
• Dakota Rural Action members work directly with local, state and federal decision makers about the issues that affect their communities.

• Dakota Rural Action believes in family agriculture.
• Family agriculture, if protected and given the opportunity, has the flexibility to take South Dakota's economy into the new century and define our state as something special.
• Dakota Rural Action members work for open and fair markets and strongly support mandatory Country-of-Origin-Labeling.
• Dakota Rural Action supports fair trade agreements that build family agriculture, workers' rights and protect the environment.

and conservation group.

• Dakota Rural Action members work to conserve and protect both South Dakota's environment and our unique way of life.
• Dakota Rural Action works to protect ground water and air quality from pollution.
• Dakota Rural Action members support stronger protections from factory style animal agriculture facilities which have destroyed local environments and communities.
• Dakota Rural Action works to remove the barriers and promote the development of clean renewable energy sources like wind power, and biofuels.

Local Foods Directory
Fresh from the farm, directly to you from the family farmers and ranchers of South Dakota. A listing of over sixty farms, ranches, projects, and businesses who are producing and selling fresh, wholesome foods across the state of South Dakota.

Get the Facts
Learn more about our issues. Get the facts about BioFuels, Captive Supplies, Cafo Development, Livestock Issues, and "Free" Trade.

Contacting Elected Officials
Get in touch with all of the people who are making decisions for our state, and let them know what you think about the issues.

Homegrown Prosperity: Renewable Energy Bus Tour

South Dakota Local Foods Directory
A consumers guide to eating locally

With more than sixty producers and numerous local businesses listed by region, its a great tool for supporting farmers and buying local, wholesome foods.
Click here to view the directory online

DRA's Zoning Tool Kit
A citizen's guide to local control

This practical guide provides information about how county boards and commissions work, how public meetings are run, information about carrying petitions and details about getting involved in local government.

Click here to view the Booklet online

Ag Producers Reject Proposal to Relocate Contagious Disease Research to Mainland [August 8, 2008]
Dakota Rural Action submitted comments this week, urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reject a proposal that would move contagious...

Biodiesel Bus Tour Arrives in Rapid City [July 23, 2008]
A big, green, clean school bus will be rolling into Rapid City on Saturday with stops at the Rapid City Farmer’s Market from 9:30 – noon and at the Journey Museum from 6 – 7pm. The public is invited to visit the bus...

SD Producers Support Bill to Protect US Herd from Foot and Mouth Disease [July 9, 2008]
Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) and Mike Enzi (R-WY) introduced the Foot and Mouth Disease Prevention Act of 2008 today, in response to USDA’s recent proposal to allow animal products from Argentina to be shipped...

Dakota Rural Action to Host Candidate Forum [May 27, 2008]
On Thursday, May 29, the Brookings County Chapter of Dakota Rural Action will host a candidate forum for the District 7 Senate candidates at Cottonwood Bistro in Brookings.

Ranchers Weigh-in on Proposed JBS Merger
Producers urge Congress to limit large packers’ ability to manipulate markets [May 7, 2008]
Livestock producers across South Dakota expressed their thanks to Senator Kohl (D-WI) and Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) for their support in conducting a hearing on the proposed JBS merger.

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