Noem’s plan to combine Dept. of Ag, DENR draws criticism from Dakota Rural Action

On August 27, Gov. Kristi Noem announced the merger of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Noem said that, as of Sept. 8, Hunter Roberts, the current Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, will serve as interim Secretary of Agriculture while continuing to lead the DENR.

Roberts is an owner and operator of the Roberts Ranch in Stanley and Ly…