Dusty Johnson meets with livestock genetic specialists about the economic impact genetics has on SD
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - Agriculture and livestock are essential parts of South Dakota’s economy and Representative Dusty Johnson spoke with equine reproductive professionals about the impact their services have on the local and state economy.
Representative Dusty Johnson took time Tuesday to speak with livestock genetics specialists at Red Valley Genetics about the role they play in the agriculture business. Johnson said today’s conversation was necessary for understanding the economic impacts this not only has on farmers but on the state as a whole.
“This is big business. People who are into high-quality riding stock, and high-quality performance stock, they know that they’re going to get by investing in genetics they’re going to get even better horses long term. People from all over the country are looking here to the Black Hills of South Dakota to get the very best genetics and the very best service,” Johnson said.
Farmers and ranchers are the main customers for these types of genetic companies as they rely on livestock to earn a living. However, it’s not just about buying and selling horses. Many also show their horses and compete for money which acts as an alternative source of income, keeping local ag producers afloat during slow seasons. So ensuring these horses are bred and bred properly has a significant impact on all South Dakotans.
“It is a huge financial investment and it’s a long-term investment. It is not for people that don’t think through the finance part of it. It is a great opportunity to improve either your herd genetics or to get more marketability out of your herd,” Red Valley Genetics manager Ty Hendrix said.
Johnson and Hendrix emphasized the importance this genetics industry has on the rest of agriculture and Johnson concluded that today’s conversation will help him be a better advocate for farmers and ranchers when he heads back to Washington D.C.
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