South Dakota Lawmakers Honored for Service to Agriculture

Sen. Davis and Rep. Goodwin recognized by state's largest farm group

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The South Dakota Farmers Union honored Senator Sydney Davis and Representative Tim Goodwin with the Service to Agriculture Award during the organization's annual Legislative Day. The two lawmakers were recognized for their advocacy on behalf of the state's family farmers and ranchers.

Why it matters

As the number of family farms and ranches continues to decline, strong legislative advocates are crucial to ensuring the needs of South Dakota's largest industry are met. Davis and Goodwin's backgrounds in agriculture provide them with unique insights to champion policies that support the state's rural communities.

The details

Senator Sydney Davis grew up on a Black Angus seedstock operation and now runs a cattle ranch with her husband near Beresford. She was first elected to the state House in 2021 and then the Senate in 2023. Representative Tim Goodwin, the House Majority Whip, was raised on a family farm near Watertown and credits his 4-H and FFA experiences with shaping his leadership abilities. Goodwin, who had a military and sales career before entering politics, has worked to pass legislation protecting family farms, including a bill to limit the expansion of large corporate dairies.

  • The South Dakota Farmers Union presented the awards on March 3, 2026.
  • Davis was first elected to the state House in 2021 and then the Senate in 2023.
  • Goodwin introduced a bill during the 2026 Legislative Session to limit the expansion of corporate dairies in South Dakota.

The players

Sydney Davis

A District 17 Senator who grew up on a Black Angus seedstock operation and now runs a cattle ranch near Beresford with her husband. She was first elected to the state House in 2021 and then the Senate in 2023.

Tim Goodwin

The District 30 Representative and Majority Whip who was raised on a family farm near Watertown. He had a career in the military and sales before entering politics and has worked to pass legislation protecting family farms, including a bill to limit the expansion of large corporate dairies.

Doug Sombke

The President of the South Dakota Farmers Union, the state's largest agriculture organization.

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What they’re saying

“Family farmers and ranchers need strong advocates willing to be a loud voice for the needs of our state's largest industry.”

— Doug Sombke, President, South Dakota Farmers Union (South Dakota Farmers Union)

“Growing up in this way of life, as a kid I developed a respect for all the things around me – whether that is nature or animals – if I don't help take care of it, it cannot take care of me.”

— Sydney Davis, State Senator (South Dakota Farmers Union)

“As a legislator I realized that I could make a difference – one person can work with others to change laws in South Dakota and make South Dakota a better place.”

— Tim Goodwin, State Representative and Majority Whip (South Dakota Farmers Union)

What’s next

The South Dakota Farmers Union will continue to work with Senator Davis and Representative Goodwin to advocate for policies that support the state's family farmers and ranchers.

The takeaway

The recognition of Senator Davis and Representative Goodwin by the South Dakota Farmers Union highlights the importance of having lawmakers with direct ties to the agricultural community who can effectively represent the needs of the state's largest industry.