PIERRE, S.D. (KELO.com) — South Dakota’s Agriculture Secretary, Kim Vanneman, is retiring, replaced on an interim based by Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden.
Wasting no time, Rhoden says one of his top priorities is to find out why South Dakota producers aren’t getting more for their beef.
“Our producers are living hand to mouth and going broke at the time when we are seeing record high retail beef prices.”
South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg has joined other attorneys general, asking for a federal investigation into suspected price-fixing of beef.
Vanneman’s retirement decision seems, at least indirectly, related to the COVID-19 crisis.
“The remote work model the past several weeks has made me aware of what I am missing out on with my family and operating our family farm. It’s spring—a time of new beginnings. It is time for me to spend more time home with family and focus on our 111-year-old family farm.”
Vanneman Farms is north of Winner.
Rhoden is life-long rancher, who continues to live on the farm where he was born near Union Center. He praises Vanneman.
“I realize these are big shoes to fill, but given that my life’s work has been in agriculture, I appreciate the opportunity to advocate on behalf of our state’s number one industry.”
Vanneman was South Dakota’s first woman Agriculture Secretary.
