South Dakota ranks in the top 10 in the production of 25 agricultural commodities.South Dakota is 16th in size among the 50 states. It is 380 miles from east to west and 245 miles from north to south. The state encompasses 77,123 square miles.It has a $19 billion impact on the state’s economy. Agriculture is the state’s second leading industry.South Dakota’s pork industry provides nearly 6,900 jobs in our state. Pork: South Dakota’s pork farmers raise over 2.3 million hogs per year.Beef: In South Dakota there are approximately 17,000 ranchers and cattlemen that produce 3.7 million head of cattle-we have more cattle than people! In South Dakota, the cattle industry is a family business with nearly all of the cattle businesses having been in the same families for more than 25 years. Other crops: South Dakota is also a leading producer of a variety of small grains including oats, barley, rye, flaxseed, sorghum and alfalfa.The state ranks 2nd in sunflower seed and oil production in the United States. The mission of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources is to protect and preserve South Dakotas agriculture, environment. The confectionery variety is used for human consumption and birdseed. Sunflowers: Two types of sunflowers are grown in South Dakota-oilseed and confectionery.South Dakota State University is a leader in the development of varieties that are suitable to our growing conditions. Nearly 4 million acres are planted to beans, producing 100 million bushels annually. Soybeans: South Dakota grown soybeans are processed into meal and oil at our locally owned processing plant in Volga, SD.Ethanol plants, which process the corn into ethanol fuel and distillers grain, are prevalent across our state. We harvest over 400 million bushels each year. It is our most frequently irrigated crop. It is grown primarily east of the Missouri River, mainly in the southeast. Corn: More than 4 million acres of corn are planted in South Dakota in an average year.In an average year, more than 3 million acres are planted to wheat.
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