MITCHELL S.D. (Mitchell Now) Recent data from the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Farm Subsidy Database highlight that farms in Davison County remain significant participants in federal agricultural programs. According to EWG’s November 2025 update, multiple Davison County producers were listed among the top recipients in South Dakota for combined commodity, conservation, and disaster relief payments between 1995 and 2023.
The EWG database compiles information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency and Risk Management Agency. The report indicates that Davison County producers collectively received millions of dollars in farm program support, primarily through corn and soybean subsidies and crop insurance assistance.
While subsidy levels vary annually depending on yields and federal appropriations, the data underscore the continued importance of federal support in stabilizing rural economies and ensuring crop sustainability during volatile weather years.
Agricultural economists note that these payments are designed to reduce income risk for producers facing drought, flooding, or other natural challenges common in the upper Midwest. Davison County’s mix of row crops, livestock, and family-owned operations aligns closely with state trends showing higher participation in commodity and conservation programs.
The database also allows residents to search by county, recipient, and program type, providing transparency in how federal funds are distributed locally.