Agricultural and Food Policy Decisions: A 1989 Perspective from South Dakota's Agricultural Producers

Federal government policies greatly affect farmers and ranchers. Most South Dakota farmers and ranchers favor proposals to retain present commodity programs or to gradually eliminate commodity programs. Most producers favor a variety of proposals to reduce trade barriers and liberalize world trade, but are reluctant to give up existing trade barriers. Most producers favor an increased Federal role in environmental programs related to soil conservation and water quality. These are key findings from a 1989 statewide survey of South Dakota farmers and ranchers opinions on agricultural policy issues.