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According to the newly-formed South Dakota Healthy Nutrition Collaborative, over 100,000 South Dakotans experience food insecurity, including 24,000 children. (Yakobchuk Olena/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

New SD collaborative to address food insecurity

In observance of Hunger Action Month, a new statewide collaborative has launched to address food insecurity in South Dakota. Nearly 14% of U.S…

Research shows South Dakota had the fifth-highest rate of cropland abandonment between 1986 and 2018, trailing Texas, North Dakota, Kansas and Montana. (Adobe Stock)

Former croplands could be ‘sweet spot’ for renewable-energy production

Researchers mapped American croplands that have fallen out of production in hopes of inspiring new uses for them, such as renewable energy. Roughly 3…

Seventy U.S. Supreme Court decisions and 17,000 lower court decisions have relied on Chevron, a 1984 case that set precedent and that the Supreme Court overruled in June. (Michele Ursi/Adobe Stock)

U.S. Supreme Court decision could shape animal farm regulations

By Marlena Williams for Sentient.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Greater Dakota News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service …

The proposed Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets rule ensures that livestock and poultry producers would

Proposed USDA rule defines “unfair” meat industry practice

A proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture would clarify fair practices in the American meat industry. The Fair and Competitive …

Sioux Falls experienced its wettest two-day period in the National Weather Service's record keeping, according to NASA, which began in 1893. (Brian Jackson/Adobe Stock)

Water contamination a concern in Midwest flood aftermath

As South Dakotans affected by recent record floods take stock of damages, researchers say water quality is among the concerns. The state has been …

Two South Dakota ethanol production facilities are considered high-priority emission violators, according to EPA data, including plants in Redfield and Aberdeen. (Adobe Stock)

Report: SD ethanol plants release hazardous air pollutants

Biofuels are painted as a greener energy alternative to fossil fuels but a new study found the industry produces plenty of its own air pollutants…

Around 27% of South Dakotans who applied for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, funded by Inflation Reduction Act dollars in 2023, were accepted. (Marc Braner/Adobe Stock)

House Farm Bill could chop climate-smart programs

The U.S. House of Representatives will likely vote this summer on a version of the Farm Bill, which passed through the committee process last month…

South Dakota loses up to 100,000 acres of grasslands annually, according to the South Dakota Grassland Coalition. Grassland bird species are declining faster than any other group on the continent. (Gregory Johnston/Adobe Stock)

Support grows for threatened SD grasslands

About 1.6 million acres of Great Plains grasslands were destroyed in 2021 alone, according to a recent report, an area the size of Delaware. One …

The deadline for Congress to pass a new Farm Bill is Sept. 30, 2024, following a year-long extension of the 2018 Farm Bill. (Dusan Kostic/Adobe Stock)

SD lawmaker OK’s House Farm Bill draft, despite climate, food program cuts

After 13 hours of markups late last week, the House Committee on Agriculture passed its version of the massive piece of legislation known as the Farm …

A well-designed riparian buffer can prevent 80% of excess nutrients from entering rivers and streams. (Adobe Stock)

Most SD surface waters fall below state quality standards

There are nearly 150,000 miles of rivers and streams in South Dakota, but new data show many of those don't meet state standards for safe water …

The National Family Farm Coalition says the use of dicamba and other herbicides has been estimated to quadruple with the planting of new herbicide-resistant seeds, resulting in more toxins in the environment and in foods eaten by livestock, wildlife and humans. (Adobe Stock)

Pesticide-drift concerns still hang over ag industry

Pesticides are still common in agriculture. Organic producers who avoid them have seen ups and downs in pushing for stronger regulations, and they …

Biodigester plants have become a popular option in using government incentives to help reduce livestock emissions but skeptics contended they will create more environmental problems by spurring more factory farms. (Adobe Stock)

California emissions credits clash with SD CAFO concerns

New forms of renewable energy are emerging within the agricultural sector but a California initiative, which has connections to states like South …

According to the new Census of Agriculture, the total number of farms with more than $1 million in sales has gone up by 36 percent. Advocates said such growth squeezes out smaller producers. (Adobe Stock)

New data illustrates decline of thriving farm communities

The nation has seen its total number of farmers and farmland decrease over the past five years and advocates for smaller producers in South Dakota sai…

After nearly facing extinction, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates about 750 black-footed ferrets now live in various locations. (Adobe Stock)

Endangered Species Act turns 50

This Thursday, the Endangered Species Act celebrates its 50th anniversary. Wildlife experts say the policy has been a big help in such states as …

Family farm advocates say not only are they worried about so-called factory farms getting federal conservation funds, they also contend there's little oversight of the money that is awarded to them. (Adobe Stock)

Some SD farmers unhappy with industrial ag getting conservation funds

Agriculture accounts for more than 10% of greenhouse-gas emissions in the United States. Advocates for small farms in South Dakota hope the next Farm …

South Dakota officials say their new program, which gives rural EMS crews access to telemedicine inside an ambulance, is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the U.S. (Adobe Stock)

Telemedicine in Motion: SD's Rural EMS Crews Go High-Tech

People might picture a defibrillator or stretcher when they think of a first responder. But what about an iPad? South Dakota says a new program …

The Aspen Institute says more than 1.5 million people attend the nearly 500 community colleges in rural parts of the U.S. (Adobe Stock)

Report: SD Tech College Bucks Enrollment Trend

Community colleges in the U.S. have struggled with enrollment declines. But a new report says schools in smaller towns and cities, including South …

Last year, nearly half of new stores that opened in the U.S. were chain dollar stores, according to a new report from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. (Adobe Stock)

Dollar Stores: A Heavy Decision for Rural South Dakota

Dollar-store chains are rapidly growing across the country, and a new report claims their expansion comes at a cost for underserved areas. Research …

Kelsey Scott, left, operates DX Beef in South Dakota. Scott is a fourth-generation Native American farmer who practices regenerative agriculture. (Jennifer Zeller)

Decolonizing Regenerative Cattle Ranching

By Ray Levy Uyeda for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Greater Dakota News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-…

Over the past year, several polls have indicated a majority of South Dakotans support Medicaid expansion. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal Health Expert Discusses Medicaid Expansion in SD

In less than a week, South Dakota will learn whether voters support expanding Medicaid, where a researcher said approval would especially help tribal …

Researchers say if states required more lighting and reflection on farm vehicles, traffic crashes involving this heavy equipment could decrease by more than half. (Adobe Stock)

Rules of the Farm Road: Safety Tips for Fall Harvest

As the fall harvest season takes shape in South Dakota, an agricultural specialist said there are many ways motorists and farmers can avoid crashes …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Rural Hospitals Up Their Care Game for Stroke Patients

Despite a more challenging environment, rural hospitals still are finding ways to provide critical care. That includes stroke patients, and South …

The latest bird flu outbreak in the United States has forced farmers to kill several million chickens across the country. (Adobe Stock)

SD Farmers Brace for Bird Flu Impact

At least two dozen states, including South Dakota, are seeing the bird flu virus quickly spread through commercial flocks on poultry producing farms…

Those demanding beef market reform say there are not enough smaller processers for cattle ranchers to sell their product to, which reduces competition. (Adobe Stock)

Family Farm Advocates: Don't Go Small on Market Reform

HOLABIRD, S.D. -- If you've been to the supermarket lately, chances are you have noticed meat prices are higher. Family-farm advocates say profits …

Bumblebees can die or be rendered sterile by systemic pesticides present in flower pollen. (PANNA)

Working in the Garden? Don't Forget About Bee Safety

PIERRE, S.D. - Pollinator gardens are gaining popularity this spring, but some well-meaning gardeners may not realize they could be harming the …

In addition to her historic role in President Joe Biden's Cabinet, Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., made history in being one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress in 2018. (House.gov)

Haaland's Confirmation Cheered by SD Tribal Leader

LOWER BRULE, S.D. -- The U.S. government now has its first Native American serving in a Cabinet leadership post. Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., was …

Environmental advocates worry they'd see more pollution in South Dakota waterways if the state agency that regulates them is allowed to merge with the Agriculture Department. (Adobe Stock)

Ag Dept., DNR Merger for SD Back in Spotlight

PIERRE, S.D. -- South Dakota's governor is reviving her proposal to merge two state agencies, including one that oversees protections for public …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that between 25 million and 30 million Americans live in

SD Group Plants "Edible Forests" to Address Food Deserts

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- A South Dakota nonprofit group is working to create "edible forests" to provide lower-income communities greater access to …

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, South Dakota's wind turbines generated about 24% of the state's electricity in 2019. (Adobe Stock)

A Careful Approach Suggested for Wind-Farm Rules

PIERRE, S.D. - The wind-energy industry has seen growth in South Dakota in recent years. But for more projects to move forward, a new report says …

Education experts say the learning inequities made worse by the pandemic could persist into the next couple of school years. (Adobe Stock)

SD Not Immune to Distance-Learning Disparities

STURGIS, S.D. -- Concerns over distance learning gaps have popped up with schools around the country shut down in the pandemic, and those concerns …

In addition to close distances on the assembly lines, meat plant workers often have to clean up in crowded locker rooms. (Adobe Stock)

Calls Grow for Worker Safety with COVID-19 Outbreaks at Meat Plants

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The temporary closing of meat-processing plants has raised concerns over food supplies during the pandemic. But in states like …

Prior to the pandemic, rural health care systems were already dealing with a variety of challenges, including hospital closures. (Adobe Stock)

Rural SD Hospitals Brace for Wave of COVID-19 Cases

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Rural areas didn't initially see a lot of COVID-19 cases when the disease first began to surface in the U.S. But that has …

The largest manufacturer of a pesticide linked to impaired brain development in children will end its production. (jcesar2015/Pixabay)

Production Ends for Pesticide Linked to Health Problems in Kids

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- South Dakota farmers who use a controversial pesticide on their corn, soybeans and other crops will need to find another product …

In her second State of the State address, Gov. Kristi Noem promised to grow South Dakota's economy, which has lagged behind the nation's. (foundationforgovernment.org)

Gov. Noem: South Dakota "Open for Business"

PIERRE, S.D. -- In her second State of the State address, Governor Kristi Noem stressed that South Dakota is "open for business," citing tax laws …

Beef is the most imported meat in the United States, with about 3 billion pounds produced annually. (shutterbug75/Pixabay)

Is Your Hamburger Really a Product of the USA?

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - If you're someone who wants to know whether the beef or pork you're eating is a product of the USA, the new USMCA trade agreement …

Flooding across the Midwest in 2019 made this year's corn planting the longest delayed in U.S. history. (farmbureau.org)

Rising Bankruptcies, Possible 2020 Weather Woes Worry SD Farmers

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – With 2020 just around the corner, farmers across the Midwest hope Mother Nature and economic conditions will bring relief …

In recent days, pet owners in North Carolina and Georgia reported their dogs died after swimming in water contaminated with blue-green algae toxins. (akc.org)

South Dakotans Warned to Avoid Water with Toxic Algae Blooms

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – As the dog days of summer drag on, pet owners are being reminded by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks to …

Some farmers in the Midwest this year did not get all the corn planted they normally would due to rain, snow, cold and flooding. (1778011/pixabay)

Corn Growers Press for New NAFTA Deal in Congress

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – America's corn growers are in Washington this week urging Congress to ratify a new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico…

Brian and Jamie Johnson, shown with their children, received the South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award for their success in balancing farm production with conservation. (Courtesy of Johnson Family)

Farming, Conservation Harmonize on NE South Dakota Farm

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Brian Johnson was just a boy 25 years ago when his dad bucked the trend and adopted no-till farming practices. Now…

South Dakota hopes to diversify its cash crops with successful production of hemp, as shown here in Polk County, Minn. (Minnesota Department of Agriculture)

SD Farmers: Hemp will Diversify State's Cash Crops

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota lawmakers want to get hemp into production as soon as possible, passing a bill last week by a vote of 65-2 to grow…

South Dakota has 46,000 agricultural producers on 31,000 farms or ranches. (pri.org)

Trade, Farm Bill Top SD Farm Bureau Convention Agenda

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Like other ag producers across the country, South Dakota farmers are eager for Congress to pass a new farm bill – a …

Pheasants, deer, greater prairie chicken, turkeys, butterflies and bees are often attracted to farm land set aside in the Conservation Reserve Program.(somoag.org)

Fence Sitting on Farm Bill Puts Conservation Programs in Limbo

PIERRE, S.D. – The future of nutrition assistance in the stalled 2018 Farm Bill has dominated news headlines, but Midwest farmers and ranchers …

A scheduled visit by President Donald Trump to South Dakota on Friday will be the first since he announced his bid for the presidency. (Ricki Hoffarth/stlpublicradio.org)

Trump Visits SD as Trade War Continues

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – President Donald Trump makes a visit to South Dakota this week as the first payments begin for commodity producers hurt by …

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has 60 days to ban a pesticide used on crops because of its link to compromised infant brain development. (organicconsumers.org)

SD Farmers Have 60 Days to Discontinue Chlorpyrifos Applications

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Midwest farmers and other users of the pesticide chlorpyrifos can continue applying the chemical to crops for the next two …

Agriculture is South Dakota's number one industry. (ams.usda.gov)

As Harvest Nears, SD Farmers Speak Out About Tariffs

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Farmers in South Dakota want to trust that President Donald Trump will succeed on getting them better deals by imposing …

The population of De Smet, S.D., declined more than 6 percent from 2010 to 2017, but the rural town raised money from local residents to expand the hospital and build an event center. (mapio.net)

SD's Most Resilient Counties Escape Population Losses

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The population of rural counties in South Dakota continues to decline, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, but some rural …

South Dakota's soybean crop was the nation's ninth largest in 2017. (sdsoybean.org)

SD Farmers Plant Soybeans With Eye on Tariff Threats

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Midwest soybean farmers have come to rely on the agricultural system built up around international trade, and are closely …

Milkweed is disappearing across the Midwest, putting the monarch butterfly in danger of extinction. (Pixabay)

South Dakotans Can Support Monarch Butterfly Survival

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Wildlife officials say the "king" of butterflies could meet the same fate as the passenger pigeon unless people step in to …

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SD: Rural/Farming