South Dakota Amendment to Prohibit Corporate Farming (1998)

South Dakota Amendment E was an initiated amendment to Article XVII of the South Dakota Constitution concerning ownership and interest in farming. It was on the 1998 election ballot in South Dakota where it passed with 149,470 votes in favor.

Text of measure

Currently, the Constitution does not restrict the use or ownership of farmland. However, the Legislature has prohibited some corporations from engaging in farming, and in certain hog production activities. Amendment E would create constitutional prohibitions. Many corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and other business entities would not be permitted to own farmland or engage in farming or livestock production. Amendment E does not affect current ownership or leasing of farmland, or livestock production, by these businesses. However, it would prohibit them from farming new land, or buying, leasing, or contracting for any new interest in farm lands, farming or livestock production. The Amendment may potentially prevent these businesses from renewing current leases. Amendment E would not affect qualified family farm corporations, nonprofit corporations, certain ag co-ops, research farms, alfalfa leases, livestock futures, certain custom farm work, security interests, the purchase of land for nonfarm purposes, and other activities.

Supporters

None yet identified.

Opposition

None yet identified.

See also

• South Dakota 1998 ballot measures

References

• National Conference of State Legislatures
• I&R Institute ballot measure database for South Dakota

---

This state ballot measure article is a stub. You can help people learn by expanding it.