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Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index shows the regional farm economy improving slightly, though low commodity prices continue to pressure producers.
Government
8 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.

Farmer on tractor with sunset in background
Agriculture
8 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
8 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.

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Business
9 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
10 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
10 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.

South Dakota major disaster declaration Thune Rounds Johnson letter to Trump Trump disaster declaration South Dakota Larry Rhoden disaster request western South Dakota windstorm December 17-18 2025 Custer County storm damage Fall River County storm damage Pennington County storm damage FEMA preliminary damage assessment South Dakota $4.6 million storm damage South Dakota Black Hills Electric Cooperative outage 53,174 households power outages South Dakota 90 mph wind gusts western South Dakota storm recovery debris removal South Dakota electrical infrastructure damage West River wildfire fires triggered by windstorm South Dakota disaster assistance for Black Hills region South Dakota emergency operations plan activated rebuilding critical electrical infrastructure South Dakota West River storm cleanup and mitigation
Lifestyle
12 months ago
Woonsocket Begins Cleanup After 80 MPH Storm Rips Through Town

Woonsocket, South Dakota, is recovering after a powerful storm with 80 mph wind gusts caused widespread damage Sunday. The storm uprooted trees, damaged local businesses, and knocked out power, prompting a strong community-led cleanup effort that began Monday morning.

Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline carbon dioxide pipeline South Dakota Iowa Utilities Commission amendment South Dakota eminent domain ban carbon pipeline project Midwest North Dakota pipeline approval carbon capture and storage CO2 pipeline route change Summit Carbon project update South Dakota energy legislation
Farm
1 year ago
POET Teams Up with Antora, Otter Tail Power on Clean Energy Project Near Big Stone City

Sioux Falls-based POET is advancing efforts to reduce its carbon intensity score by launching a new clean energy project near its Big Stone City plant. In partnership with California energy firm Antora and Minnesota-based Otter Tail Power Company, the project aims to cut emissions and support long-term sustainability goals.

South Dakota State Fair Foundation SoDak National Junior Rodeo youth rodeo event Dakota Events Complex junior rodeo competition barrel racing South Dakota breakaway roping bull riding event goat tying competition kids rodeo ages 10–18 rodeo in Huron SD South Dakota rodeo schedule October rodeo event family-friendly rodeo junior rodeo registration
Farm
1 year ago
Inaugural Jr. Rodeo Announced

The South Dakota State Fair Foundation proudly presents the inaugural SoDak National Junior Rodeo, happening October 10–12 at the Dakota Events Complex in Huron, SD. This exciting youth rodeo event features thrilling competitions like Girls Barrel Racing, Bareback Riding, Breakaway Roping, Bull Riding, Goat Tying, and more.

BNSF train derailment South Dakota train derailment Kaylor South Dakota news Hutchinson County train accident Burlington Northern Santa Fe derailment grain train derailment BNSF freight train South Dakota train accident cleanup railroad news South Dakota no injuries reported train derailment train derailment investigation emergency response Hutchinson County
Government
1 year ago
Heat Caused May Grain Train Derailment Near White Lake

A grain train derailment near White Lake in May was caused by thermal misalignment—also known as a sun kink—according to officials with Ringneck and Western Railroad. Rapid temperature swings, jumping from the 40s to over 80 degrees, caused the steel rails to buckle.