South Dakota soybean farmer and newly appointed State Senator Brandon Wipf delivered a strong message to Washington on the critical role of the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) in ensuring international grain trade integrity.
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.
Busch Light is supporting Midwest farmers with its limited-edition Farming Cans, available through July. For every case sold, Busch Light donates $0.10—up to $200,000—to Farm Rescue, a nonprofit aiding farm families facing crisis situations like illness, injury, or natural disasters.
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.
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.
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.
Nearly a year after opening, the Dakota Protein Solutions plant near Freeman continues to draw complaints from residents over an “unbearable” odor. Neighbors describe the smell as “dead flesh,” saying promised odor-control measures have yet to deliver results.
At the “Stand with Farmers” event in Sioux Falls, South Dakota producers and advocates called for urgent federal action on agriculture. Speakers voiced concern over delays to the farm bill, USDA funding freezes, and harmful tariffs.
The regional economy just got a boost, according to Creighton University’s latest Rural Mainstreet Index, which hit its highest level in two years—an unexpected positive sign. Despite low grain prices and concerns from community bankers that many farm operations may face losses in 2025, economist Dr. Ernie Goss points to continued strength in farm loan repayment rates and low delinquency levels, signaling cautious optimism in the rural Midwest economy.
A sweeping federal bill sets aside $40 million to create a National Garden of American Heroes, and South Dakota leaders are pushing to bring it near Mount Rushmore. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” narrowly passed the House by one vote and includes plans to honor America’s 250th birthday with 250 statues of historic American figures.