Spring has arrived at Custer State Park, and with it comes the birth of baby bison. Park officials recently spotted the first bison calf of the season, marking the beginning of this year’s calving season.
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.
Team Buche Cares, a South Dakota non-profit established as the charitable arm of GF Buche Company, proudly announces a new food fundraiser, Steelers in the Field, featuring players from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Don’t miss the annual Ag Day event this Saturday, happening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls. With over 30 vendors showcasing the best of Midwest agriculture, this free event celebrates the importance of agriculture in the region.
New spring weight restrictions are now in effect across South Dakota’s roadways, from March 10th to 14th, as part of efforts to protect infrastructure. The South Dakota Department of Transportation and local agencies have implemented these restrictions to prevent damage caused by thawing and melting snow, which softens roadbeds and makes them more vulnerable to wear. A map of the updated restrictions is available on the South Dakota Truck Info website at SD-Truck-Info.sd.gov.
South Dakota farmers are growing increasingly concerned about the potential impact of tariffs imposed by President Trump. The President announced that agricultural tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China will take effect on April 2nd. Kevin Deinert, president of the South Dakota Soybean Association, highlighted Mexico as one of the state’s largest agricultural trade partners.
South Dakota farmers are facing uncertainty as they head into planting season due to the state’s dry winter. With below-average snowfall, concerns are growing about the potential impact on crops in the coming months. Brent Greenway, treasurer of the South Dakota Soybean Association, highlighted the challenges of starting spring with such dry conditions, noting that having a good moisture reserve is ideal for giving crops a strong start.
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has approved the South Deuel Wind project, granting a construction permit for the wind energy facility. The project, which was approved on Friday, will include approximately 70 wind turbines spread across 30,000 acres.
South Dakota lawmakers have taken a significant step toward restricting lab-grown meat, with the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee passing two bills targeting the emerging food technology. House Bill 1109, which seeks to ban the sale and production of cell-cultured meat in the state, and House Bill 1118, which prohibits state funds from being used to research or promote lab-grown meat, both advanced with narrow votes. As federal agencies, such as the USDA and FDA, approve cell-cultured chicken products, critics argue that South Dakota is stepping in ahead of potential benefits, while others worry about food safety. This move positions South Dakota alongside states like Florida and Alabama in restricting the future of lab-grown meat products.
South Dakota’s dairy industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the state’s milk cow population reaching 215,000 in January—more than double the number from 2015. This surge in dairy farming has resulted in a staggering five billion pounds of milk produced annually, solidifying South Dakota’s position as a leader in the nation’s dairy sector.