FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Contact: Tony Mangan, Communications Director, 605-773-6878 

Attorney General Jackley Urges Congress to Pass

Sensible Laws that Protect SD Farmers and Ranchers

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley testified Tuesday at a Congressional committee hearing that South Dakota farmers and ranchers have been damaged by unrealistic federal regulations.

“Congress and federal government agencies need to do what the South Dakota Legislature and other state leaders have done: Pass laws that are aimed at protecting our farmers and ranchers,” said Attorney General Jackley. “States like South Dakota take pride in our agricultural industry and so should Washington.”

Attorney General Jackley testified at the roundtable hosted by the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The roundtable, titled “Farming on Trial: A Roundtable on the Growing Use of Lawfare Against American Agriculture,” focused on how court litigation is increasingly shaping farm policy.

Attorney General Jackley, who owns both a farm and ranch, said he has seen “an increased hostility” towards farmers and ranchers in recent years from federal government agencies.

“Too many of our family-owned farms and ranches are challenged by overreaching federal regulations,” said Attorney General Jackley. “I appreciate the efforts of Committee Chairman Comer for his willingness to be a strong voice for our farmers and ranchers.”

Other participants are Shad Sullivan, Private Property Rights Committee Chair, R-CALF USA, and Margaret Byfield, Executive Director, American Stewards of Liberty.

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