Northeast South Dakota News

Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota participated in a panel with Rep. Adrian Smith of Nebraska at the Midwest Ag Export Summit in Sioux Falls, where they discussed how agricultural producers from the Midwest compete internationally. Johnson highlighted recent efforts by the administration to secure trade agreements with regions such as the European Union, United Kingdom, Indonesia, and Japan. He stated, "I’m encouraged by the work the administration has done on securing trade deals with the European Union, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Japan and others to give a fair shake to South Dakota producers. I’m hopeful President Trump will continue to make strong deals with other trading partners that will support our ag industries."

Johnson also mentioned that legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill aims to promote U.S. agricultural products globally and includes provisions like the Supplemental Agricultural Trade Promotion (SATP) program to help develop foreign markets for American goods.

During a visit to Silencer Central, a leading firearm suppressor manufacturer in the country, Johnson discussed how this bill would remove taxes on suppressors as well as short-barreled rifles and shotguns. He said he was honored to receive their Legislator of the Year award for his support of Second Amendment rights in Congress.

In state news, South Dakota authorities recently made what is reported as the largest methamphetamine seizure in state history. The South Dakota Highway Patrol confiscated 207 pounds of methamphetamine valued at $12 million from an illegal immigrant transporting it across the state. Johnson commented on ongoing border security concerns: "While border crossings are at an all-time low, South Dakota is not exempt from the lasting effects of Biden’s border crisis. This arrest and drug seizure underscore the important work the Trump Administration is doing to keep the southern border secure and remove dangerous, illegal immigrants from our country. I’m grateful for the local law enforcement officers and federal agents who protect South Dakota and keep America safe."

Dusty Johnson has represented South Dakota’s at-large district in Congress since 2019 after succeeding Kristi Noem. Born in Pierre in 1976 and currently residing in Mitchell, Johnson graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1999.

More information about these events can be found through coverage by Dakota News Now.