BILLINGS, Mont., July 27, 2026 – A just-released advocacy paper commissioned by the Meat Institute and completed by Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS), titled “The Economic Impact of MCOOL on the Beef and Pork Value Chains,” asserts that reinstating mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef and pork would result in more than $1 billion in annual costs of producing, packing and selling beef and pork, which in turn would increase the consumers’ price of beef by about 9 cents per pound.

Governor Larry Rhoden signed Executive Order 2026-08 to assist agriculture producers during the drought emergency by easing transportation restrictions. “South Dakota’s ranchers have always weathered difficult seasons with grit and determination,” said Governor Rhoden.

America 250 is a great time to reflect on who we are and what we have fought to build and keep for so long. We are an example for freedom to the rest of the world, and a symbol of hope, as well.

With the release of two opinions on July 10, the South Dakota Supreme Court has resolved all cases considered during its court term year that began August 2025. As the Supreme Court begins its work now for its new term year, this will be the first time the Court has decided all pending cases from the prior term year before beginning a new term year. In prior years, the Court has started its new term with a handful of cases remaining from the previous year.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is putting farmers first by offering them a new option to schedule appointments online with their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. Following a successful pilot program, FSA is now using a digital appointment platform across the agency to allow producers to make farm program or farm loan appointments online at their convenience.

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Housing (SDH) is now accepting applications for one state funded program and several federal funding programs that help communities meet their housing needs. Funding is available in 2026 through the HOME Investment Partnerships, Housing Tax Credit, Housing Opportunity Fund, Housing Trust Fund and Emergency Solutions Grants programs. Applications are available now, with all submissions due by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on the last working day of August.