South Dakota Ag Facts

South Dakota is a major agricultural state, ranking third in the production of corn and fifth in the production of soybeans.

South Dakota is also a leading producer of beef, pork, and dairy products.

The state’s leading agricultural products are beef, pork, corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, and dairy products.

South Dakota’s agricultural industry generates more than $25 billion in economic activity each year and provides more than 100,000 jobs.

The state’s agricultural industry is supported by a strong infrastructure of research and education institutions, including South Dakota State University, the University of South Dakota, and the Agricultural Experiment Station.

The Agricultural Experiment Station is the nation’s oldest, continuously operating agricultural research institution.

What are the top 3 agricultural products in South Dakota?

The top three agricultural products in South Dakota are cattle, corn, and soybeans.

Cattle are a major agricultural product in South Dakota. There are currently 1.3 million head of cattle in the state, and the industry is worth $1.2 billion. Corn is also a major agricultural product in South Dakota. The state is the fifth-largest producer of corn in the United States, and the industry is worth $1.1 billion. Soybeans are the third-largest agricultural product in South Dakota. The state is the sixth-largest producer of soybeans in the United States, and the industry is worth $846 million.

Why is agriculture important to South Dakota?

Agriculture is a critical sector of the South Dakota economy. According to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, the industry contributes more than $21.5 billion to the state’s GDP and employs more than 118,000 people. Here are five reasons why agriculture is important to South Dakota.

1. Agriculture Supports the Local Economy

Agriculture is a key driver of the local economy. Not only does the industry generate billions of dollars in economic output, but it also supports businesses and jobs in other industries. For example, agricultural production requires inputs such as seed, fertilizer, and fuel. These products are sourced from local businesses, thereby supporting the local economy.

2. Agriculture Boosts Tourism

Agriculture is also a major contributor to tourism. Visitors come to South Dakota to see the state’s world-famous livestock and crops. In addition, the agritourism industry is growing rapidly. Visitors come to South Dakota to participate in activities such as bird watching, fishing, and hunting.

3. Agriculture Is Critical to the State’s Food Security

Agriculture is a critical part of the state’s food security. South Dakota is a major producer of food and agricultural products, which helps to ensure that the state has a reliable source of food.

4. Agriculture Supports Environmental Sustainability

Agriculture is also a key part of the state’s sustainability efforts. Farmers and ranchers implement sustainable practices to protect the environment and conserve resources. For example, they use cover crops to improve soil health and reduce erosion.

5. Agriculture Is a Key Part of the State’s Culture

Agriculture is an important part of the state’s culture. Farmers and ranchers are the backbone of the state’s economy and play a vital role in the community. In addition, the state’s agricultural heritage is celebrated at events such as the annual South Dakota State Fair.

What are the top 5 commodities in South Dakota?

South Dakota is a major agricultural state, and the top 5 commodities in the state are corn, cattle, soybeans, wheat, and hogs.

Corn is the top crop in South Dakota, and the state ranks 5th in the nation in corn production. Corn is used for livestock feed, ethanol production, and other industrial uses.

Cattle are the next most important agricultural product in South Dakota. The state ranks 5th in the nation in cattle production, and cattle are a major source of beef and dairy products.

Soybeans are the third most important agricultural product in South Dakota. The state ranks 2nd in the nation in soybean production, and soybeans are used for livestock feed, biodiesel production, and other industrial uses.

Wheat is the fourth most important agricultural product in South Dakota. The state ranks 3rd in the nation in wheat production, and wheat is used for flour, bread, and other bakery products.

Hogs are the fifth most important agricultural product in South Dakota. The state ranks 4th in the nation in hog production, and hogs are used for pork and bacon.

How many farms are in South Dakota?

South Dakota is a rural state with a population of less than 1 million people. The majority of the population lives in the eastern half of the state, while the western half is largely rural. There are more than 77,000 farms in South Dakota, making up more than 90% of the land in the state.

The vast majority of farms in South Dakota are family farms. More than 60,000 of the farms in the state are operated by a single family, and more than 90% of the farms have less than 500 acres of land. The average farm size in South Dakota is just 182 acres.

The most common type of farm in South Dakota is a livestock farm. More than 46,000 farms in the state raise livestock, including cattle, hogs, sheep, and poultry. The next most common type of farm is a crop farm, which includes more than 16,000 farms. Corn, soybeans, and wheat are the three most common crops grown in South Dakota.

The number of farms in South Dakota has been declining in recent years. The total number of farms in the state has fallen by more than 7,000 since 2002. The decline is largely due to the consolidation of farms into larger operations. The average size of a farm in South Dakota has increased by more than 50% in the last 15 years.

What agriculture is South Dakota known for?

South Dakota is best known for its agriculture, which is a major part of the state’s economy. The state is a leading producer of several crops, including corn, wheat, soybeans, and oats. Livestock production is also a major industry in South Dakota, with cattle and hog farming being particularly important.

What is the largest farm in South Dakota?

The largest farm in South Dakota is the Yankton Sioux Tribe’s farm. The farm is located on the Yankton Sioux Reservation and spans over 9,000 acres. The farm is used to produce a variety of crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa. The farm also has a herd of cattle and a flock of chickens.

What is South Dakota’s main agricultural crop?

South Dakota’s main agricultural crop is corn. Corn is a grain that is high in carbohydrates and is used to make many different types of food products. Corn is also used to make ethanol, which is a fuel that can be used in cars.