South Dakota now leads the nation in industrial hemp processing and fiber production, with significant growth reported in 2024. According to the USDA, farmers planted 3,900 acres and harvested 13.6 million pounds of hemp, primarily for fiber use.
Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation is celebrating Earth Day with a special event, Unite for Earth, happening today at Great Bear Recreation Park. Starting at 6 p.m., this free, family-friendly event will feature outdoor activities, local vendors, and a nature-themed scavenger hunt along the park’s scenic trails
South Dakota is honoring the legacy of generational agriculture through its Century Farm and Ranch Program, announced by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources in partnership with the South Dakota Farm Bureau.
A fast-moving grass fire erupted northeast of Mitchell Regional Airport on Wednesday, drawing a multi-departmental response from Mitchell, Ethan, and Letcher fire crews. Driven by high winds and warm weather, the blaze spanned nearly a mile and scorched multiple fields before being contained with the help of a local farmer creating firebreaks.
A Day of Action food drive will take place Saturday, April 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Van Eps Park in Sioux Falls, supporting Feeding South Dakota and local hunger relief efforts.
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission is delaying its decision on Summit Carbon Solutions’ permit to build a carbon pipeline. During a Thursday meeting, commissioners debated whether to extend the application timeline or deny it entirely.
Wildfire risk is on the rise across South Dakota as windy weather, dry conditions, and above-normal temperatures create a dangerous mix. Most of the state is experiencing moderate to severe drought, with extreme drought reported in the southwest, according to the latest drought map.
South Dakota FFA members packed over 55,000 meals during “Living to Serve Day” at the state FFA convention in Brookings on April 3rd. In partnership with Meals of Hope, the meals were donated to Feeding South Dakota and Feeding Brookings to combat food insecurity.
A state climatologist is cautiously optimistic about South Dakota’s drought conditions as summer approaches. Laura Edwards, with SDSU Extension, highlighted that recent rain and snow have come at a crucial time, allowing the soil to absorb moisture and retain it as the snow melts.
Governor Rhoden continued his “Open for Opportunity” tour on Thursday, visiting Sioux Falls to engage with POET Biofuels, the world’s largest producer of biofuels and a leader in sustainable energy solutions.