Farmer sentiment jumped again in November as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose 30 points to 145. That’s the highest level of farmer optimism since May 2021. The Future Expectations index saw the largest jump, rising 37 points to 116, while the Current Conditions Index increased 18 points to 113. The November sentiment boost reflects growing optimism about a more favorable regulatory and tax environment for agriculture following the November election. 

Farmer sentiment jumped again in November as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose 30 points to 145. That’s the highest level of farmer optimism since May 2021. The Future Expectations index saw the largest jump, rising 37 points to 116, while the Current Conditions Index increased 18 points to 113. The November sentiment boost reflects growing optimism about a more favorable regulatory and tax environment for agriculture following the November election.

Farmer sentiment highest since 2021

Lower returns to rented land and higher interest rates began signaling the potential for falling farmland prices back in 2023. Reports show those signals are continuing, with the current fundamentals suggesting land value reductions of approximately three percent in 2025. A three percent drop would be in line with observed adjustments since the 1980s as well as expectations from professional farm managers who were surveyed this year. 

Lower returns to rented land and higher interest rates began signaling the potential for falling farmland prices back in 2023. Reports show those signals are continuing, with the current fundamentals suggesting land value reductions of approximately three percent in 2025. A three percent drop would be in line with observed adjustments since the 1980s as well as expectations from professional farm managers who were surveyed this year.

Economists forecast drop in land prices

The American Consumers Institute is the latest organization to voice strong support for the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Nate Scherer, policy analyst for the group, says AM radio is vital for ensuring public safety and maintaining access to vital information for millions of Americans. More than 80 million Americans rely on AM radio each month for programming that includes weather updates, traffic reports, sports, and emergency alerts.

The American Consumers Institute is the latest organization to voice strong support for the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Nate Scherer, policy analyst for the group, says AM radio is vital for ensuring public safety and maintaining access to vital information for millions of Americans. More than 80 million Americans rely on AM radio each month for programming that includes weather updates, traffic reports, sports, and emergency alerts.

Consumer Institute advocates for AM radio

The US agricultural trade deficit is forecasted to grow significantly, with the USDA projecting a record $45.5 billion gap for fiscal year 2025. This updated outlook surpasses the previous estimate of $42.5 billion from August 2024. Agricultural exports, expected to reach $170 billion, remain 13% below their 2022 peak, impacted by declining global prices. Imports, on the other hand, are forecasted to hit $215.5 billion, driven by rising demand for tropical fruits and sugar.

The US agricultural trade deficit is forecasted to grow significantly, with the USDA projecting a record $45.5 billion gap for fiscal year 2025. This updated outlook surpasses the previous estimate of $42.5 billion from August 2024. Agricultural exports, expected to reach $170 billion, remain 13% below their 2022 peak, impacted by declining global prices. Imports, on the other hand, are forecasted to hit $215.5 billion, driven by rising demand for tropical fruits and sugar.

Record farm trade gap for 2025 looms 

Deere &amp; Co. finished the year stronger than expected after aggressively cutting production and seeing solid demand for new tractors and precision agriculture technology. The Moline, Illinois-based tractor giant reported a net profit of $1.3 billion in the fourth quarter compared to $2.4 billion last year as farmers grappled with high interest rates and low commodity prices. Sales and revenue totaled $11.1 billion, down 28% from a year ago. Despite economic challenges, Deere Chairman and CEO John May said in an earnings call that company performance was better than expected, which led to strong reinvestment across the enterprise. 

Deere &amp; Co. finished the year stronger than expected after aggressively cutting production and seeing solid demand for new tractors and precision agriculture technology. The Moline, Illinois-based tractor giant reported a net profit of $1.3 billion in the fourth quarter compared to $2.4 billion last year as farmers grappled with high interest rates and low commodity prices. Sales and revenue totaled $11.1 billion, down 28% from a year ago. Despite economic challenges, Deere Chairman and CEO John May said in an earnings call that company performance was better than expected, which led to strong reinvestment across the enterprise.

New products push Deere to strong Q4 earnings

The United States has paused imports of cattle from Mexico after a positive detection of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating pest that can be fatal to animals and in some cases humans. Authorities identified an infected cow at a livestock inspection checkpoint close to the border of Guatemala. Given the northward movement of screwworm, USDA said it is “restricting the importation of animal commodities,” including live cattle and bison, that originated or were transported through Mexico, effective immediately. 

The United States has paused imports of cattle from Mexico after a positive detection of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating pest that can be fatal to animals and in some cases humans. Authorities identified an infected cow at a livestock inspection checkpoint close to the border of Guatemala. Given the northward movement of screwworm, USDA said it is “restricting the importation of animal commodities,” including live cattle and bison, that originated or were transported through Mexico, effective immediately.

U.S. halts Mexico cattle imports after New World Screwworm detected

The National Corn Growers Association’s Economic Update reported on everything from trends to challenges, opportunities, and market conditions in U.S. agriculture. The rapid 2024 harvest gives farmers an edge on any fall field preparations and more time to finalize year-end financial plans, which is critical in the current high-cost and low-price environment. It also looked at the impact of a potential tariff war. 

The National Corn Growers Association’s Economic Update reported on everything from trends to challenges, opportunities, and market conditions in U.S. agriculture. The rapid 2024 harvest gives farmers an edge on any fall field preparations and more time to finalize year-end financial plans, which is critical in the current high-cost and low-price environment. It also looked at the impact of a potential tariff war.

Corn growers release quarterly economic update

President-elect Donald Trump chose Brooke Rollins as his nominee for the next Secretary of Agriculture. Rollins is a graduate of Texas A&amp;M University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture development. She grew up in the small agriculture-centered town of Glen Rose, Texas, while spending years in leadership involvement with FFA and 4-H. 

“Her commitment to support the American farmer, defense of American food self-sufficiency, and the restoration of agriculture-dependent small towns in America is second to none,” the President-elect said. “As the next Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke will spearhead the effort to protect American farmers, who are truly the backbone of our country.” Rollins was on Trump’s 2016 Economic Advisory Council and worked as the Director of the Domestic Public Policy Council. Rollins has also spent the past four years as the Founder and CEO of the American First Policy Institute and America First Works.

President-elect Donald Trump chose Brooke Rollins as his nominee for the next Secretary of Agriculture. Rollins is a graduate of Texas A&amp;M University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture development. She grew up in the small agriculture-centered town of Glen Rose, Texas, while spending years in leadership involvement with FFA and 4-H. “Her commitment to support the American farmer, defense of American food self-sufficiency, and the restoration of agriculture-dependent small towns in America is second to none,” the President-elect said. “As the next Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke will spearhead the effort to protect American farmers, who are truly the backbone of our country.” Rollins was on Trump’s 2016 Economic Advisory Council and worked as the Director of the Domestic Public Policy Council. Rollins has also spent the past four years as the Founder and CEO of the American First Policy Institute and America First Works.

Trump picks nominee for Secretary of Agriculture

Federal officials testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee on how they’re dealing with disasters. Reports say Georgia and North Carolina senators testified about the devastation facing their farmers after Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit those states this Fall. Beyond those disasters, several senators also talked about significant financial losses facing row crop farmers in their states. 

“Many farmers across the country are on the verge of going out of business due to hurricanes, wildfires, drought, and other weather-related events that wiped out entire crops,” said Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. “But there are also many farmers across the country on the verge of going out of business due to high input costs and below break-even commodity prices, and they need help too.” She added that for the first time in her career, she’s had lenders and bankers say they weren’t going to be able to help finance farmers in 2025.

Federal officials testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee on how they’re dealing with disasters. Reports say Georgia and North Carolina senators testified about the devastation facing their farmers after Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit those states this Fall. Beyond those disasters, several senators also talked about significant financial losses facing row crop farmers in their states. “Many farmers across the country are on the verge of going out of business due to hurricanes, wildfires, drought, and other weather-related events that wiped out entire crops,” said Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. “But there are also many farmers across the country on the verge of going out of business due to high input costs and below break-even commodity prices, and they need help too.” She added that for the first time in her career, she’s had lenders and bankers say they weren’t going to be able to help finance farmers in 2025.

Senators want farm aid beyond hurricane damages

The USDA’s Farm Labor Report, released on November 20, offers a glimpse into the future of farm expenses. The Department of Labor uses the “field and livestock workers’ combined” wage rate reported in the November Farm Labor Report to establish most H-2A workers’ minimum wage, known as the Adverse Effect Wage Rate. This year, the combined field and livestock worker wage rate nationally is $18.12, up 3.2 percent from the previous release. Regional wages increased an average of 4.5 percent, but this reflects wide ranges of change across the country. 

Fruit and vegetable farmers, the largest users of H-2A, spend 38 percent of their farm expenses on labor, and that share will continue to grow if wages grow as they have in recent years. Rising farmworker wages are a challenge to American specialty crop producers competing with farmers in other countries who can hire at a fraction of the cost.

The USDA’s Farm Labor Report, released on November 20, offers a glimpse into the future of farm expenses. The Department of Labor uses the “field and livestock workers’ combined” wage rate reported in the November Farm Labor Report to establish most H-2A workers’ minimum wage, known as the Adverse Effect Wage Rate. This year, the combined field and livestock worker wage rate nationally is $18.12, up 3.2 percent from the previous release. Regional wages increased an average of 4.5 percent, but this reflects wide ranges of change across the country. Fruit and vegetable farmers, the largest users of H-2A, spend 38 percent of their farm expenses on labor, and that share will continue to grow if wages grow as they have in recent years. Rising farmworker wages are a challenge to American specialty crop producers competing with farmers in other countries who can hire at a fraction of the cost.- NAFB

Farm labor costs continue climbing

Beef groups slammed recommendations for consumers to increase their protein intake via beans, peas and lentils, calling the proposal “unhinged.” A major battle is brewing over how much red meat Americans should consume — and it has the beef industry seeing red. The United States is preparing next year to update its Dietary Guidelines for Americans, an influential set of recommendations that inform nutrition labels, what food is served in schools and hospitals and the advice that healthcare professionals give patients.

Beef groups slammed recommendations for consumers to increase their protein intake via beans, peas and lentils, calling the proposal “unhinged.” A major battle is brewing over how much red meat Americans should consume — and it has the beef industry seeing red. The United States is preparing next year to update its Dietary Guidelines for Americans, an influential set of recommendations that inform nutrition labels, what food is served in schools and hospitals and the advice that healthcare professionals give patients.

U.S. dietary guidelines could cut meat and potatoes

The EPA is facing renewed pressure to deny applications re-registering the controversial weedkiller from three of the biggest crop protection companies. Three Senate Democrats are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to deny applications to re-register the herbicide dicamba, saying the weedkiller cannot be used without causing unreasonable adverse effects. 

The herbicide, which was pulled from the market earlier this year, can drift when sprayed and cause irreparable harm to human health, critical habitats and neighboring crops, according to a letter from senators Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch. Re-registering the herbicide with tighter usage restrictions, as the agency has done in the past, has not been enough to mitigate damage from dicamba, the letter said. The senators reiterate that that dicamba cannot be fixed.

The EPA is facing renewed pressure to deny applications re-registering the controversial weedkiller from three of the biggest crop protection companies. Three Senate Democrats are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to deny applications to re-register the herbicide dicamba, saying the weedkiller cannot be used without causing unreasonable adverse effects. The herbicide, which was pulled from the market earlier this year, can drift when sprayed and cause irreparable harm to human health, critical habitats and neighboring crops, according to a letter from senators Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch. Re-registering the herbicide with tighter usage restrictions, as the agency has done in the past, has not been enough to mitigate damage from dicamba, the letter said. The senators reiterate that that dicamba cannot be fixed.

Senate democrats push to keep weedkiller banned

Summit Carbon Solutions resubmitted an application for a carbon dioxide pipeline to South Dakota state regulators this week. The application included “major reroutes” of the proposed structure in four South Dakota counties. The move happened over a year after the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission rejected the company’s first application. Lee Blank, CEO of Summit Carbon Solutions says, “By working hand-in-hand with landowners and communities, we’ve developed a project that balances progress with respect for those directly involved,” and “Together, we’re creating a new pathway to new markets and lasting economic growth for generations to come.” 

Summit Carbon Solutions resubmitted an application for a carbon dioxide pipeline to South Dakota state regulators this week. The application included “major reroutes” of the proposed structure in four South Dakota counties. The move happened over a year after the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission rejected the company’s first application. Lee Blank, CEO of Summit Carbon Solutions says, “By working hand-in-hand with landowners and communities, we’ve developed a project that balances progress with respect for those directly involved,” and “Together, we’re creating a new pathway to new markets and lasting economic growth for generations to come.”

Summit Carbon applies again for pipeline in South Dakota

Cooking a Thanksgiving dinner this year for friends and family will cost less than last year but is still more expensive than before COVID-19. The 39th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey shows the cost of this year’s classic holiday feast for ten people is $58.08 or about $5.80 per person. That’s a five percent decrease from 2023, which was 4.5 percent lower than 2022. Two years of declines don’t erase dramatic increases that led to a record high cost of $64.06 in 2022. 

Cooking a Thanksgiving dinner this year for friends and family will cost less than last year but is still more expensive than before COVID-19. The 39th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey shows the cost of this year’s classic holiday feast for ten people is $58.08 or about $5.80 per person. That’s a five percent decrease from 2023, which was 4.5 percent lower than 2022. Two years of declines don’t erase dramatic increases that led to a record high cost of $64.06 in 2022.

Thanksgiving survey shows dinner cost declined from 2023

A recent report says banks could be more hesitant to lend to the farm sector just as the agricultural industry is expected to enter a major credit crunch. Rabobank says that could disproportionately hurt smaller producers in the process. After two years of near-record profits, a significant drop in crop prices is pushing more producers to take out loans. Although farmers have built up somewhat of a liquidity buffer to manage the downturn, Rabobank says those savings are expected to run out by the next crop year. 

The report says “Although the U.S. agricultural sector’s financial affairs are projected to finish 2023-2024 in stable condition, the trajectory is downward.”&nbsp; Demand for farm loans is set to climb to levels not seen since 2013 with producers expected to increase their borrowing by billions of dollars over the next several years. Producers may face stricter borrowing requirements when taking out new loans.

A recent report says banks could be more hesitant to lend to the farm sector just as the agricultural industry is expected to enter a major credit crunch. Rabobank says that could disproportionately hurt smaller producers in the process. After two years of near-record profits, a significant drop in crop prices is pushing more producers to take out loans. Although farmers have built up somewhat of a liquidity buffer to manage the downturn, Rabobank says those savings are expected to run out by the next crop year. The report says “Although the U.S. agricultural sector’s financial affairs are projected to finish 2023-2024 in stable condition, the trajectory is downward.”&nbsp; Demand for farm loans is set to climb to levels not seen since 2013 with producers expected to increase their borrowing by billions of dollars over the next several years. Producers may face stricter borrowing requirements when taking out new loans.

Farm loan concerns in struggling ag economy

Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow spoke on the Senate floor and introduced the “Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act.” She says for more than two years, she’s been working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass her sixth farm bill. “The farmers I met with made clear that the farm safety net must be the backbone of support for all farmers, and not just a handful of mostly southern commodities,” she said. 

Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow spoke on the Senate floor and introduced the “Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act.” She says for more than two years, she’s been working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass her sixth farm bill. “The farmers I met with made clear that the farm safety net must be the backbone of support for all farmers, and not just a handful of mostly southern commodities,” she said.

Stabenow releases version of the Senate farm bill

A federal judge refused to halt enforcement of California’s climate disclosure bills last week, despite a legal challenge put forward by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business groups that alleges the bills violate First Amendment rights against compelled speech. In his Nov. 5 ruling, U.S. District Judge Otis Wright II denied the plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment, noting the court required more information and “further development of the facts” to determine whether the climate disclosure rules amount to compelled speech and are, hence, unconstitutional. 

Though Wright’s decision allows the state’s carbon emissions disclosure requirements to proceed as planned for now, his ruling granted the plaintiffs leave to file another request for summary judgment. Wright also said the First Amendment did apply to the challenged laws. The climate laws will mandate more climate-related disclosures from large companies operating in the state and push for more corporate transparency in terms of carbon emissions.

A federal judge refused to halt enforcement of California’s climate disclosure bills last week, despite a legal challenge put forward by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business groups that alleges the bills violate First Amendment rights against compelled speech. In his Nov. 5 ruling, U.S. District Judge Otis Wright II denied the plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment, noting the court required more information and “further development of the facts” to determine whether the climate disclosure rules amount to compelled speech and are, hence, unconstitutional. Though Wright’s decision allows the state’s carbon emissions disclosure requirements to proceed as planned for now, his ruling granted the plaintiffs leave to file another request for summary judgment. Wright also said the First Amendment did apply to the challenged laws. The climate laws will mandate more climate-related disclosures from large companies operating in the state and push for more corporate transparency in terms of carbon emissions.

California climate disclosure laws survive initial court challenge 

President-Elect Donald Trump’s threat of mass deportations risks hurting the domestic agriculture sector already struggling with labor shortages. That’s according to Matt Carstens, chief executive officer of Iowa’s biggest farm cooperative, who said Trump’s plan should be approached carefully. Bloomberg reports farming would be one of the biggest US sectors hit should the incoming administration move forward with kicking potentially millions of undocumented immigrants out of the country. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has said nearly half of hired crop farmworkers lack legal immigration status. The share of laborers not lawfully authorized to work in the US rose from about 14% in the 1989-91 period to roughly 40% in recent years. Meanwhile, although there’s been a slight decline in the number of people moving out of rural US counties since the onset of the global Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the prior decade saw an overall loss of population. 

President-Elect Donald Trump’s threat of mass deportations risks hurting the domestic agriculture sector already struggling with labor shortages. That’s according to Matt Carstens, chief executive officer of Iowa’s biggest farm cooperative, who said Trump’s plan should be approached carefully. Bloomberg reports farming would be one of the biggest US sectors hit should the incoming administration move forward with kicking potentially millions of undocumented immigrants out of the country. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has said nearly half of hired crop farmworkers lack legal immigration status. The share of laborers not lawfully authorized to work in the US rose from about 14% in the 1989-91 period to roughly 40% in recent years. Meanwhile, although there’s been a slight decline in the number of people moving out of rural US counties since the onset of the global Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the prior decade saw an overall loss of population. -NAFB

Trump’s threat of deportations risks hurting agriculture 

With little sign of a breakthrough on the farm bill in Congress, farm groups are shifting their attention to a proposed $21 billion bailout bill. Help is needed because high costs and lower commodity prices are sharply eroding farm income, they say. Successful Farming reports analysts are questioning whether the price tag for the proposed agricultural aid is too high to be accepted and say that in the relatively short lame-duck session under way, there may be room for only one piece of farm-related legislation. 

With little sign of a breakthrough on the farm bill in Congress, farm groups are shifting their attention to a proposed $21 billion bailout bill. Help is needed because high costs and lower commodity prices are sharply eroding farm income, they say. Successful Farming reports analysts are questioning whether the price tag for the proposed agricultural aid is too high to be accepted and say that in the relatively short lame-duck session under way, there may be room for only one piece of farm-related legislation.

Farm bailout bill getting renewed attention in lame duck session 

Sales of tractors for agricultural use plunged year-over-year in October, according to data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. Tractor sales dropped 14% from the same month a year earlier to 21,354 units. Combine sales fell almost 35%. These declines point to the overall softness in the ag economy following a robust five years of positive industry results.&nbsp;

Sales of tractors for agricultural use plunged year-over-year in October, according to data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. Tractor sales dropped 14% from the same month a year earlier to 21,354 units. Combine sales fell almost 35%. These declines point to the overall softness in the ag economy following a robust five years of positive industry results.&nbsp;

Tractor sales plummet in October

House Agriculture Chair Glenn Thompson is among those being considered for agriculture secretary in the next Trump administration, according to a person familiar with the team’s thinking. Reports say the Pennsylvania Republican, who developed closer ties to Trump during the president-elect’s many campaign visits to the Keystone State, offers deep knowledge of agriculture policy. 

The Trump transition team neither confirmed nor denied the possibility of tapping Thompson. “President-Elect Trump will begin making decisions on who will serve in his second Administration soon. Those decisions will be announced when they are made,” said spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. Other names being mentioned are Former Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agriculture Affairs Ted McKinney; Kip Tom, formerly U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture; and former White House ag advisor Ray Starling.

House Agriculture Chair Glenn Thompson is among those being considered for agriculture secretary in the next Trump administration, according to a person familiar with the team’s thinking. Reports say the Pennsylvania Republican, who developed closer ties to Trump during the president-elect’s many campaign visits to the Keystone State, offers deep knowledge of agriculture policy. The Trump transition team neither confirmed nor denied the possibility of tapping Thompson. “President-Elect Trump will begin making decisions on who will serve in his second Administration soon. Those decisions will be announced when they are made,” said spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. Other names being mentioned are Former Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agriculture Affairs Ted McKinney; Kip Tom, formerly U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture; and former White House ag advisor Ray Starling.

Thompson leads list of potential Ag Secretary candidates

As farmers struggle with low crop prices, relatively high interest rates and increased input costs, fewer are making big-ticket purchases like tractors, combines and farm implements, resulting in a backlog of inventory across the globe. Eric Hansotia, AGCO's president and CEO, said in an investor call last week, the Machinery manufacturer has about four months of orders with its dealers in North America and is looking to bring that number down to three.  

As farmers struggle with low crop prices, relatively high interest rates and increased input costs, fewer are making big-ticket purchases like tractors, combines and farm implements, resulting in a backlog of inventory across the globe. Eric Hansotia, AGCO's president and CEO, said in an investor call last week, the Machinery manufacturer has about four months of orders with its dealers in North America and is looking to bring that number down to three.

Tractor manufacturers slow production as demand declines

A new study recently showed that some dairy workers had signs of H5N1 infection even when they didn’t report feeling sick. As a result, federal health officials called for more testing of employees on farms affected by bird flu. The University of Texas Medical Branch says farmworkers in close contact with infected animals should be tested and offered treatment, even if they show no H5N1 symptoms. 

A new study recently showed that some dairy workers had signs of H5N1 infection even when they didn’t report feeling sick. As a result, federal health officials called for more testing of employees on farms affected by bird flu. The University of Texas Medical Branch says farmworkers in close contact with infected animals should be tested and offered treatment, even if they show no H5N1 symptoms.

CDC wants expanding H5N1 testing for farmworkers

The University of Missouri Extension Crop Conference, scheduled for December 4-5 in Columbia, will provide farmers and agricultural professionals with insights into the evolving agricultural landscape in 2025. Ben Brown, an MU Extension specialist in risk management, will speak on the current state of crop markets, input costs, and agricultural policy, and discuss the recent decline in commodity prices due to strong global production and increased demand at lower prices.

The University of Missouri Extension Crop Conference, scheduled for December 4-5 in Columbia, will provide farmers and agricultural professionals with insights into the evolving agricultural landscape in 2025. Ben Brown, an MU Extension specialist in risk management, will speak on the current state of crop markets, input costs, and agricultural policy, and discuss the recent decline in commodity prices due to strong global production and increased demand at lower prices.

University of Missouri Extension crop conference

Referred Law 21 in South Dakota would have created new requirements for regulating linear transmission facilities, including carbon dioxide pipelines, and allowed counties to assess a surcharge on certain pipelines. It also sought to establish a “Landowners Bill of Rights.” The numbers are showing the state’s voters said “no” to the ballot measure, which put the ethanol industry and landowners on opposite sides. 

Referred Law 21 in South Dakota would have created new requirements for regulating linear transmission facilities, including carbon dioxide pipelines, and allowed counties to assess a surcharge on certain pipelines. It also sought to establish a “Landowners Bill of Rights.” The numbers are showing the state’s voters said “no” to the ballot measure, which put the ethanol industry and landowners on opposite sides.