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South Dakota drought state climatologist Laura Edwards SDSU Extension drought conditions moisture levels summer weather moderate drought rainfall snow melt agriculture impact water resources weather outlook
People
5 months ago
South Dakota drought map shows dry conditions returning as winter starts quietly

A quieter start to the 2025-26 winter is showing up on the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, with about 38% of South Dakota now rated at least abnormally dry. Moderate drought remains limited to the state’s far southeast.

Agriculture
5 months ago
Study Finds Soil Practices Can Significantly Impact Hemp THC Levels

New federally funded research suggests soil management choices could help South Dakota hemp farmers keep crops within legal THC limits while improving crop value.

John Thune farm bill South Dakota farm legislation overdue farm bill 2025 Dakotafest Mitchell ag policy John Thune agriculture priorities U.S. farm bill Congress farm bill budget framework John Thune South Dakota farmers farm bill Senate votes agricultural policy South Dakota John Thune Washington priorities
Farm
5 months ago
Lake Norden Man Killed in Farming Accident in Hamlin County

A 55-year-old Lake Norden man died Saturday after being pinned by a tractor on a Hamlin County farm, according to the sheriff’s office.

High Plains Soybean Processing Mitchell South Dakota agriculture soybean processing plant Mitchell South Dakota State Rail Authority loan rail expansion agriculture South Dakota soybean producers economic development Mitchell SD soybean market prices South Dakota agricultural jobs Mitchell SD rail infrastructure South Dakota
Business
6 months ago
High Plains Soybean Processing Plant Expands Rail Capacity with $5.7 Million State Loan

The High Plains Soybean Processing plant near Mitchell is ramping up production, boosted by a $5.7 million low-interest state loan to expand rail capacity. The facility supports about 100 local jobs and brings added value and revenue to South Dakota soybean producers.

Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index shows the regional farm economy improving slightly, though low commodity prices continue to pressure producers.
Government
7 months ago
China Commits to Purchase 12 Million Metric Tons of U.S. Soybeans, Boosting Midwest Producers

Nate Franzen, President of Ag Banking at First Dakota National Bank, noted that much of the region’s soybeans are shipped west by rail to China, making the Dakotas especially sensitive to international demand.

John Thune farm bill South Dakota farm legislation overdue farm bill 2025 Dakotafest Mitchell ag policy John Thune agriculture priorities U.S. farm bill Congress farm bill budget framework John Thune South Dakota farmers farm bill Senate votes agricultural policy South Dakota John Thune Washington priorities
Agriculture
7 months ago
Davison County Farms Rank Among Top Subsidy Recipients

New data from the Environmental Working Group show several Davison County operations among South Dakota’s highest recipients of federal farm subsidies over the past two decades.

Mitchell Corn Palace Festival 2025 Corn Palace profit report Justin Moore and Bret Michaels concert Mitchell festival attendance Corn Palace upgrades Mayor Jordan Hanson South Dakota tourism events Mitchell city budget Corn Palace entertainment lineup downtown Mitchell events community support Mitchell SD South Dakota summer festivals
Agriculture
7 months ago
From Field to Facade: How Corn Built Mitchell’s Identity

Mitchell’s world-famous Corn Palace isn’t just a quirky landmark — it’s a living tribute to the farmers and families who built the city’s agricultural legacy. Learn how this iconic facade continues to honor South Dakota’s heartland roots.

High Plains Soybean Processing Mitchell South Dakota agriculture soybean processing plant Mitchell South Dakota State Rail Authority loan rail expansion agriculture South Dakota soybean producers economic development Mitchell SD soybean market prices South Dakota agricultural jobs Mitchell SD rail infrastructure South Dakota
Business
7 months ago
Turner County Imposes Stricter Rules on Dakota Protein Solutions Rendering Plant After Odor Complaints

The Turner County Board of Adjustment voted 4–1 to tighten conditions on Dakota Protein Solutions’ rendering plant near Freeman after ongoing odor complaints and permit issues.

South Dakota Board of Economic Development South Dakota business growth McCook County solar farm renewable energy investment SD Bel Brands Brookings expansion cheese production South Dakota state loan economic development Ally Dakota Development grant South Dakota job creation $395 million private investment 160 new jobs South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden economic growth South Dakota food production boost
Farm
9 months ago
State Approves Incentives for Solar Farm, Cheese Plant Expansion, and Local Business Growth

South Dakota’s Board of Economic Development has approved nearly $3 million in tax relief for a 585-acre solar farm in McCook County, a $10 million state loan to expand Bel Brands’ Brookings cheese plant, and a grant to Ally Dakota Development.

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Farm
9 months ago
Farmer Celebrates 25 Years of Antique Car and Tractor Parade

Farmer celebrated its 25th annual Antique Car and Tractor Parade with over 100 entries, drawing nearly 1,000 spectators to the fall tradition.