Northeast South Dakota News

U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) welcomed Brandon Wipf, a soybean farmer from Huron, South Dakota, to testify before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Nutrition. The hearing focused on reauthorizing the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) as part of the U.S. Grain Standards Act.

During the hearing titled “Perspectives on Reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act,” Thune highlighted the significance of agriculture to South Dakota’s economy and commended Wipf for representing local soybean growers in Washington.

“I appreciate the chance, as always, to serve on this committee and to advocate on behalf of South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers. And production agriculture is so important to our state. It’s our number one industry, and we’re very blessed to have people represent it like Brandon Wipf. Nice to have you here … and thanks for … making the trip out to D.C. and representing our state’s soybean growers.”

Thune emphasized the role of FGIS in supporting U.S. agricultural exports by ensuring that grains meet established standards for quality and reliability in international markets.

“I think we all recognize the importance of promoting U.S. agriculture on the world stage, which is why we must use every available tool to facilitate international trade, to support farmers, grain processors, and exporters. And as the United States engages and continues to engage in negotiations with our trading partners, we need to ensure that U.S. grains are seen as a reliable and high quality product by foreign buyers, and the Federal Grain Inspection Service works to maintain these standards so that our grain remains a reliable purchasing option. So Mr. Wipf, could you maybe just explain, in your view, what impact on soybean markets in South Dakota and across the country would happen if the Grain Standards Act is allowed to expire?”

He also discussed how FGIS inspections provide transparency within agricultural markets.

“[B]y providing impartial inspections and weighing services, FGIS has created a transparent, trustworthy system. I think we all agree with that. That system reduces the chances of price disparity and eliminates quality discrepancies. So, how have … you seen the Federal Grain Inspection Service contribute to global grain price discovery, and what would be the potential consequences for international markets if FGIS services lapsed?”

The committee examined how federal oversight supports market confidence for both domestic producers like those in South Dakota and buyers abroad.