Hemp Processing Solutions (HPS) resides in the amazing state of South Dakota. There are millions of things we love about our location. The Big Sioux River, the wide variety of outdoor activities, the incredible people, (and did we mention the wildly unpredictable weather?) are all things that make us proud to call this place home. One challenge as of late, though, has been the political climate surrounding our bread and butter.. Err.. Hemp.
A bill made the rounds in the state earlier this year (2019). With bi-partisan support, the bill looked promising the make industrial hemp a viable option for farmers. An option that would’ve been very welcomed considering the nature of other commodity prices and growing conditions around the state.
But while that bill had support from both the house and senate, it was vetoed by our Governor, Kristi Noem. Noem had originally told an audience of farmers, community members, and reporters that if she had the ability to control language and amendments to the bill she’d pass it. Yet, even though Noem’s team had their hands deep into the bill, rewriting almost 80% of the original language, the office went ahead with the veto.
Shortly thereafter the veto was quickly overruled by the House, but failed by two votes to reach the required two-thirds majority to override the veto in the Senate. Much to the dismay of an ag-centered state looking for creative solutions to current market conditions.
Both the senate and house have asked for further studies to be conducted throughout the summer. New proposals are in the works in various forms for upcoming sessions, but for now SD will lag behind its neighbors. Nebraska was the most recent boarder state to pass hemp legislation. Other border states have already passed hemp-related bills and are making quick progress towards commercialization.