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.
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.
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.