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Some SD Farmers Unhappy With Industrial Ag Getting Conservation Funds

By Mike Moen

Agriculture accounts for more than 10% of greenhouse-gas emissions in the United States. Advocates for small farms in South Dakota hope the next Farm Bill curbs spending for industrial operations linked to those emissions.

Like many sectors, "ag" is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Congress recently punted reauthorization of the Farm Bill, which maps out spending for many farm and food-aid programs - to 2024.

Aaron Johnson, an organic producer south of Madison, hopes when lawmakers ramp up the debate, they take a closer look at conservation funding and where the money has been flowing.

"Nationwide," he said, "I see some abuse with the EQIP program and these biodigesters, that are just not functional unless they are heavily subsidized, by taxpayers and by the Farm Bill."

Johnson was referring to the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which funds biodigesters. They capture methane from manure at factory farms, converting it to energy sources. According to the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, it's the most expensive program practice and does more harm than good. But large operators contend they're responding to the demand for safely grown meat, and are always working to modernize environmental practices.

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Demco Dual Aguer Grain Carts — Fire Safety Systems, Right or Left-Handed Unload, and More!

Video: Demco Dual Aguer Grain Carts — Fire Safety Systems, Right or Left-Handed Unload, and More!


Demco's dual auger grain cart is designed for unloading efficiency, operator visibility, and safety in the field.

This dual-auger design features both an unload auger and a floor auger for enhanced grain cleanout and consistent flow, and the 22-inch unload auger is capable of moving up to 600 bushels per minute.

Farmers can also choose between right or left-handed unload options—right-handed unload improves visibility from the tractor cab. A new design allows both vertical and horizontal movement for precise grain placement during unloading.

Another key feature is the built-in fire safety system; a 300-gallon onboard water tank with a hose reel that provides field-ready fire suppression capability.

These dual auger grain carts are available in 1100, 1300, 1500, 1700, and 2200 bushel sizes.