South Dakota Farmers Union Delegates Advocate for Next Generation at National Convention

Nearly 50 family farmers and ranchers from across South Dakota attend 2026 National Farmers Union Convention in New Orleans

Mar. 18, 2026 at 10:12pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Nearly 50 family farmers and ranchers from across South Dakota attended the 2026 National Farmers Union Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana from March 7-9. The convention focused on supporting the next generation of family farmers and ranchers, with delegates passing policy aimed at keeping farmers and ranchers on the land, creating competitive markets, and developing a safety net for modern agriculture. South Dakota delegates shared their concerns about the financial challenges facing young producers, including the impact of trade wars, the war in Iran, and rising input costs.

Why it matters

The National Farmers Union Convention provides an important platform for family farmers and ranchers to come together, share their experiences, and advocate for policies that support the future of family agriculture. With farm and ranch bankruptcies up 46% in 2025 and input costs skyrocketing, the convention's focus on supporting the next generation of producers is crucial for the long-term viability of family farms and ranches in South Dakota and across the country.

The details

During the convention, South Dakota delegates joined more than 190 farmer-rancher-delegates from across the U.S. to pass policy aimed at keeping farmers and ranchers on the land, creating competitive markets, and developing a safety net for modern agriculture. Delegates expressed concerns about the financial challenges facing young producers, including the impact of trade wars, the war in Iran, and rising input costs like fertilizer and fuel. South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke noted that farm and ranch bankruptcies were up 46% in 2025, and things did not look to be improving in 2026.

  • The 2026 National Farmers Union Convention was held from March 7-9 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • Farm and ranch bankruptcies were up 46% in 2025.
  • Since the war in Iran, farmers have seen fertilizer prices increase by $200 or more per ton.

The players

Rob Larew

National Farmers Union President, who delivered the keynote address at the 2026 convention.

Doug Sombke

President of South Dakota Farmers Union and a fourth-generation Brown County farmer.

Jim Wahle

A 67-year-old farmer from Salem, South Dakota who served as a delegate to the NFU convention.

Chad Johnson

A farmer from Groton, South Dakota and a delegate to the NFU convention.

Gail Temple

A farmer from Clark, South Dakota and a delegate to the NFU convention.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The billionaires consolidating our food system are counting on us to be too busy, too tired and too divided to push back. The politicians who won't pass meaningful farm policy are counting on the issue being too complicated for anyone to pay attention. They have underestimated us before. They are making the same mistake now. … This is our moment. Not to survive it – but to shape it.”

— Rob Larew, National Farmers Union President

“We are in a time when young producers do not know if there is a future in farming.”

— Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union

“Because of the tariff's impact on markets, I was already not planning to make money this growing season. I was trying to make a marketing plan so that I could break even. Now with this war and the price of fertilizer and fuel, I am nervous for the young farmers who have much more debt.”

— Jim Wahle, Salem farmer

“As things evolve, our policy needs to change with it. What worked in the past, may not work in the future.”

— Gail Temple, Clark farmer

“Farmers Union is like a family – members really care – and not just members from our state. I was sitting in the hallway and Rob Larew stopped to ask how our kids are doing. He only met our daughters one time when he visited our farm to learn more about how packer consolidation was impacting us. How many other ag groups' national president shows that kind of personal interest?”

— Sarah Perrion, Ipswich farmer

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This convention highlights the critical importance of supporting the next generation of family farmers and ranchers, who are facing unprecedented financial challenges due to factors like trade wars, rising input costs, and industry consolidation. The policy developed at the National Farmers Union Convention will guide the organization's efforts to advocate for policies that keep family farms and ranches viable for years to come.