South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem updated lawmakers on the state’s current economic position and laid out budget proposals for the coming fiscal year. Governor Noem opened the address by defending her response to the coronavirus pandemic in South Dakota. Also highlighted was taking a cautious approach moving forward from COVID-19. The governor’s recommendations fell under three primary categories: paying off debt from 2010; restoring and reinvigorating state infrastructure; and strengthening communities. One major investment for agriculture is $100 million for rural broadband. Another is $12 million for the construction of a State Fair Livestock Complex, which burned down in October. Also included in the proposed budget is a grant program to address meat processing capacity in the state. Get the full details in this Red River Farm Network story.