U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R–South Dakota), center, is pictured with (left to right) Todd Eberle of Burwell and Broken Bow Livestock Market; Rich Robertson and Alicia Robertson of Crawford Livestock Market; and Bryce Dibbern of Livestock Marketing Association.
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — During Livestock Marketing Association’s annual D.C. Fly-In, Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-South Dakota) received the Friend of the Livestock Marketing Industry award for going above and beyond in congressional service on behalf of the livestock marketing industry.
“We’re grateful to Congressman Johnson’s support of the livestock and livestock marketing industry,” said LMA chief executive officer Forrest Mangan. “He’s been a real champion for the issues that are important to the livestock marketing industry.”
In the 117th, 118th and 119th Congresses, Johnson has championed the Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States, or A-PLUS, Act, which would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture to revise outdated regulations to allow certain market agencies to hold ownership, invest or participate in the management of a livestock harvest facility. The prohibition is due to an outdated regulation written for terminal stockyards which predates the current, transparent form of price discovery at livestock auction markets. Allowing additional opportunities for investment in the meat processing industry may help increase competition and capacity.
Johnson has also advocated for the issues supported by the Common Ground Coalition, a group of cow-calf producers, stocker operators, marketers, feeders and allied industry who believe they’re stronger when they stand united to preserve rural America and the nation’s food supply. Many of the agriculture-friendly tax proposals championed by the Common Ground Coalition, such as raising the estate tax exemption, restoring bonus depreciation, lowering individual tax rates, preserving the step-up in basis and Section 199A business deduction, were passed into law in 2025 in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, thanks in part to Johnson’s leadership and support.
“Whether it’s supporting the policies and initiatives most important to LMA or stopping by a South Dakota livestock auction market while in the area, Johnson has been a true friend and ally,” Mangan said. “While LMA will miss his leadership and support in Congress, we’re confident he will continue his service to South Dakota and the agriculture industry.”
