The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Department of Natural Resources will officially merge in a matter of weeks. Hunter Roberts will oversee the merged agencies and says the new department will be a one-stop spot for agriculture. “Everything from pesticide complaints to CAFO permits will come from the merged agency.” Earlier this year, Governor Kristi Noem issued an executive order for the merger. An effort to overturn the merger in the state Legislature was defeated and starting April 19, the two departments become the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden will serve as the state’s agriculture ambassador, but Roberts wants farmers and the agriculture industry to know there is an open-door policy. “Let’s have a discussion, talk about ideas and real solutions for better outcomes for the state.” Hear the story.