In South Dakota, we’re witnessing two political movements unfold.
One movement stands with the people — with ranchers, neighbors, and families who work the land and want fairness, transparency, and a voice in their own government. The other movement, well… that one seems to represent big corporations lining up to collect millions in taxpayer dollars through state programs like the Reinvestment Payment Program.
The “Open For Opportunity Tour,” led by Gov. Rhoden and Lt. Gov. Venhuizen, gives us a pretty clear picture of which movement they belong to. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development has approved millions in taxpayer-funded grants to support big business:
- $3,386,040 to Big Stone Energy Storage Project LLC for a thermal energy storage facility.
- $2,566,012 to Bel Brands — yes, the cheese factory — for a 100,000-square-foot expansion in Brookings.
- $250,682 to Dakota Line Energy LLC for a manure separator project processing 23 million gallons.
Meanwhile, their tour includes stops at major corporations like Masaba, Inc. and Manitou in Yankton, as well as visits to schools and universities.
But not a single stop, word, or acknowledgement of the Maude fence line dispute — an issue that impacts real South Dakotans, not just balance sheets. Crickets from the Governor, Lt. Governor, and Secretary of Agriculture.
I’ve tried to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. But in this case? Not so much.
Our Governor is a West River rancher. He’s represented this state for over 20 years. This isn’t his first rodeo. And yet, he and his predecessor let the Maude case collect dust on the shelf.
Why? Is it because there’s no political capital to be gained? Or is there another reason?
I’ll let you decide.
What I do know is this: On a terrible, windy day on the prairie, 17 legislators, alongside area ranchers, neighbors, and family members, came to see the land in dispute for themselves. Their presence meant something. Their willingness to show up when it mattered said everything.
To them, I say thank you.
This is the kind of leadership we need — not ribbon-cuttings and press tours, but boots on the ground, listening to the people who built this state and still hold it together.
