South Dakota Department of Agriculture

Agriculture is South Dakota’s number one industry, contributing $17 billion to the state’s economy.  There are 31,400 farms in the state, and the impact from the crop industry and the livestock industry is equally divided. The eastern half of the state, which receives more precipitation, is generally better suited for raising corn and soybeans. The more arid western half is dominated by grassland and beef cattle.

Beef cattle make up the most significant portion of South Dakota agriculture. Over half of the farms in the state raise cattle and about one-third of all agricultural cash receipts come from cattle and calves. South Dakota leads the nation in bison production. South Dakota farmers also raise sheep, hogs, and dairy cattle.

South Dakota is the first state to have a government initiated certified beef program, South Dakota Certified™ Beef . The program offers enhanced marketing potential for beef from cattle born, raised and processed in South Dakota according to specific production and management practices. Opportunities exist to certify other South Dakota products such as honey.

South Dakota’s main crops are corn, soybeans, hay and wheat. Roughly one-third of the corn produced in South Dakota goes towards ethanol production. There are currently 11 ethanol plants in South Dakota, four of which are expanding and three more are under construction.

South Dakota ranks second in the nation in sunflower and alfalfa hay production. The state ranks third nationally in production for oats, flaxseed, Proso millet and other hay.

Specialty crop production plays a small part in South Dakota agriculture, but it is rapidly expanding. Since the South Dakota Farm Winery Act was passed ten years ago, eleven farm wineries have been established in the state.

http://www.state.sd.us/doa/