Farmers Face Challenges with Policy Changes and Staff Turnover

South Dakota farmer Lance Perrion shared his thoughts on the challenges facing agriculture during the National Farmers Union Convention. Perrion, a third-generation farmer from Ipswich, grows corn, soybeans, and wheat while also running an agribusiness that includes seed cleaning and hay grinding. Perrion described 2024 as an “average year” with a dry start followed by timely rains. “Every year is different.” Beyond market uncertainty, Perrion has concerns over staffing shortages in key agricultural agencies. “We’ve seen a big turnover in staffing on the federal level,” he said, emphasizing the importance of keeping local USDA and FSA offices fully staffed to ensure farmers receive the support they need.