And those cuts may have to come in the funding for the pine beetle eradication programs or for fire suppression. No one knows for sure what may have to be cut. But South Dakota Congresswoman Kristi Noem says she has already formulated the argument she will use to get the funding restored if the cuts are made.

     Kristi Noem says, "And what I've done is approached the White House to say, listen, this pine beetle situation that we have in the Hills should not be looked at as a policy and a red tape issue. This is an emergency situation." Noem appeared in Rapid City today to discuss the upcoming ag bill with farmers and ranchers at the Stock Show.

Al Van Zee