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SDSU Extension hosting organic ag conference
• BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) -- SDSU Extension is hosting the 2013 Organic Agriculture Conference in Sioux Falls on Monday and Tuesday.
• Organizers say it will provide a great networking opportunity between fellow organic producers, exposure to new management methods and practices and an opportunity to interact with experts from around the country.
• Speakers will discuss weed management, animal science, weather and climate and soil and water quality.
• The event at the Best Western Ramkota is co-sponsored by USDA's Integrated Pest Management and Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education programs, and the South Dakota State University IPM Program.
• Registration for both days is $60, or $35 for Monday and $25 for Tuesday.
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House, Senate negotiations key for South Dakota
HENRY C. JACKSON, Associated Press
• WASHINGTON (AP) -- South Dakota has a lot on the line in Congress as the year comes to a close.
• House and Senate negotiators are trying to wrap up a farm bill that could provide much-needed relief to ranchers and protections to farmers. And another House-Senate committee is trying to hammer out a compromise on a water bill that would have wide-reaching effects in the state.
• The Senate is also considering a defense authorization bill that would fund the type of long-range bombers that are based at Ellsworth Air Force Base.
• "Everything we're dealing with has pretty significant consequence right now," said Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.
• At the top of the list is the farm bill, where negotiators have struggled to blend a House version that sharply cuts food stamp funding and a Senate version that doesn't.
• The bill contains dozens of elements that could affect South Dakota. But the delegation is perhaps most concerned about restoring federal support to livestock operations as ranchers try to recover from the October blizzard that killed thousands of livestock.
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