North Dakota Soybean Growers Association Legislative Director Scott Rising expects the budget to be an overriding issue during the upcoming session. “There is going to be a continuing battle to get the budget under control,” said Rising. “We cleaned out the savings accounts last time and the impact for agriculture is the ability to fully fund the SBARE (State Board of Agricultural Research and Education) priorities. We need to do that. Ag research and the sharing of that information through Extension is critical for agriculture and ultimately to the people of North Dakota.” With a growing urban influence in the North Dakota Legislature, Rising hopes state agriculture groups can work together to protect policy objectives. “It’s absolutely critical that ag stick together and do its very best to explain how agriculture is the leading industry in the state.” The legislative session officially begins January 3.
