South Dakota is a major agricultural state, consistently ranking among the top producers in the United States. Agriculture is the state’s largest industry, generating significant economic activity and supporting a large number of jobs across the region. The state’s position in the Great Plains, coupled with a continental climate, creates an environment uniquely suited for the production of grain, oilseeds, and forage crops. This agricultural output not only feeds livestock but also supplies renewable fuel production and global export markets.
Dominant Cash Crops: The Big Three
Corn, soybeans, and wheat form the foundation of South Dakota’s crop production, dominating the state’s acreage and economic value. Corn production is substantial, with the state often planting over four million acres annually and occasionally setting record yields. This field corn is primarily used for livestock feed and industrial applications, most notably in the production of ethanol.
Soybeans rival corn in harvested acreage. Soybeans are an energy-dense commodity grown for their oil and the high-protein meal byproduct that remains after crushing. This meal is an important component of animal feed, making the crop a significant factor in the state’s large livestock industry.
Wheat production in South Dakota features a distinction between winter and spring varieties. Winter wheat is planted in the fall for an earlier harvest, while spring wheat is planted in the spring and generally possesses a higher protein content. Both hard red winter and hard red spring wheat varieties are grown, though spring wheat has historically been the predominant type.
Regional Specialties: Oilseeds and Pulse Crops
Beyond the major grains, South Dakota farmers cultivate specialty crops. Sunflowers are a significant oilseed, with the state ranking as one of the top producers nationally. These flowers are harvested for their seeds, which yield a light-tasting oil high in Vitamin E, and for non-oil uses like birdseed.
Flaxseed is another important oilseed. The seed is crushed to produce linseed oil, which has industrial uses in products like paint and linoleum, and a high-protein meal used for livestock feed. Flaxseed has also gained attention for its nutritional benefits, including high levels of dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
Dry edible beans, which are considered pulse crops, are also grown in South Dakota. These beans, including varieties like pinto and black beans, are valued as an inexpensive source of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates for human consumption. As a legume, dry beans also benefit soil health by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, making them a good rotation crop for grains.
Forage and Feed Production
A substantial portion of the state’s crop output is dedicated to supporting South Dakota’s extensive livestock and cattle operations. Hay, including alfalfa and other varieties, is a highly valued commodity, often ranking third in harvested acreage and value after corn and soybeans. Alfalfa is a perennial legume grown for its high protein content and is a primary feed source for dairy and beef cattle.
Oats and sorghum are also grown primarily for feed and forage purposes. Oats are used both as a grain feed and as a component in cover crop mixes that provide short-term grazing for cattle. Sorghum, a drought-tolerant grain, is another feed option, with the state producing millions of bushels annually for grain and silage.
Climate and Geography: Why South Dakota Grows What It Does
Eastern South Dakota benefits from higher annual precipitation and deeper, more fertile soils. This eastern region is therefore dominated by the high-moisture-requiring rotation of corn and soybeans.
Moving westward, annual precipitation decreases. The central and western parts of the state shift toward hardier, more water-efficient crops like hay, sorghum, and wheat. The drier conditions in the west favor livestock grazing and the production of hard red winter wheat, which is better adapted to the challenging climate.