What do South Dakota Farmers Plant?
South Dakota is widely recognized as one of the leading agricultural states in the United States. The state's vast prairies and fertile farmland make it an ideal location for growing crops and raising livestock. As a result, agriculture plays a significant role in the state's economy. In fact, agriculture is the number one industry in the state.
With a rich history of farming, South Dakota is home to over 29,000 farms and ranches and over 43 million acres of land, according to the USDA.
Farmers in South Dakota grow a wide range of crops, from soybeans and corn to wheat and sunflowers. Let’s take a closer look at some of the crops that are commonly grown in South Dakota.
Corn
Corn is a major crop planted in South Dakota. In fact, the state is consistently one of the top corn producers in the United States, planting more than 4 million acres each year (TravelSouthDakota.com). Typically planted in the spring and harvested in the fall, corn is used for a variety of purposes, from animal feed to ethanol production.
Soybeans
Soybeans are another important crop in South Dakota, with over 5 million acres planted in 2022 (USDA). Typically planted in the spring and harvested in the fall, soybeans are a major source of protein for animal feed and are also used to make a wide variety of products from soy silk and tofu to crayons and tires.
Wheat
Wheat is one of the most important crops in South Dakota, accounting for a significant portion of the state's agricultural output. Winter wheat is typically planted in the fall and harvested in the summer, while spring wheat is planted in the spring and harvested in the fall. South Dakota's warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters make it an ideal climate for growing wheat.
Sunflowers
South Dakota is also a major producer of sunflowers, particularly for their oil. Sunflowers are typically planted in the spring and harvested in the fall. The oil from sunflowers is used for cooking, as well as in cosmetics and other products. South Dakota is the 2nd highest producer of sunflower seed and oil in the United States, with most sunflowers in South Dakota being found in the central part of the state (TravelSouthDakota.com).
Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a legume that is commonly used as animal feed. It is typically planted in the spring and harvested multiple times throughout the growing season. South Dakota's warm summers and frequent rain make it an ideal climate for growing alfalfa.
In addition to these crops, farmers in South Dakota also grow a variety of other crops, including oats, barley, sorghum, and flax.
The state's diverse agricultural industry is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its farmers, like Eastern South Dakota farmer, Colin Nachtigal.
Below, Colin provides insight into his farming practice, what he plants on his farm, the importance of sustainable farming, and much more.
HFT: Can you tell us about the crops you're planting this season, and why you've chosen them?
CN: We plan to plant Corn, Soybeans, Winter Wheat, Spring Wheat, and also raise some perennial grasses for seed.
HFT: What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a farmer in South Dakota, and how do you overcome them?
CN: Weather is our biggest challenge with drought being our biggest worry, especially in central SD. When we are comfortable that we have enough moisture to raise a crop, a hail storm can come along and wipe out many fields at one time. Weed resistance to herbicides is a worry, so we have a diverse crop rotation to ensure that we do not rely on only a few modes of action against invasive weed species.
HFT: How have you seen the farming industry change in South Dakota over the years, and what do you think the future holds?
CN: I still consider myself a young farmer, but it amazes me how much markets have expanded over the last 20 years. 20 years ago we had to haul much of the grain we produced 70 to 100 miles to find a good market. Now we have many great options within 50 miles.
Some of these include processing (ethanol and soybean crush facilities) while some are shuttle-loading facilities that efficiently move grain to the Pacific Northwest where it can be exported to the many people living in Asia. All the while we are still able to provide our biggest customer, the SD livestock industry, with ample supplies of feed grain.
HFT: Can you discuss any innovations or technologies you're using to make your farming operations more sustainable?
CN: To conserve moisture and stop soil erosion we have moved to no-till and strip-till in our area. With this comes the challenge of weeds. Over the last 50 years many great residual herbicides have been discovered (herbicides that stop weeds before they germinate and start growing), which we rely on heavily. Also, crops resistant to herbicides can still stop weeds once they are a few inches tall growing alongside a crop.
HFT: How do you decide which crops to plant in each field, and what factors do you consider?
CN: Rotation to help fight weeds and conserve moisture. Wheat needs most of its moisture in May/June while corn is June/July and soybeans in July/August. In total, wheat needs less moisture than corn and soybeans and matures in July, so during wheat crops, we can build subsoil moisture which is used in subsequent years for the corn and soybean crops.
A wheat crop after soybeans can quickly start growing and provide cover for the soil after a soybean crop is harvested while the wheat stubble saves a lot of moisture for the thirsty corn crop we raise after. Soybeans work great after corn as they emerge through the heavy stubble that a corn crop leaves behind where it can be hard to establish other crops, and since it needs its moisture late in the season allows time for rains to replenish the soil moisture.
HFT: Can you speak to any efforts you've made to diversify your crop selection and how it has affected your farming operation?
CN: Due to a lack of markets and before the technique of minimum tillage was perfected, small grains (wheat and oats), sorghum, and sunflowers were more popular in the area because they need less moisture to mature and raise grain. Although all these crops are still raised in our area with better technology, many acres are now also dedicated to corn and soybeans.
HFT: Cover crops have become increasingly popular in recent years. Can you discuss what exactly cover crops are, any experiences you've had with them, and how they've added value to your soil?
CN: Due to our lack of annual moisture (we only receive 19 inches/year on average) we have not experimented with cover crops because every inch of rain we receive we hope to store in the soil profile to produce grain.
Some with livestock operations in the area use it as an excellent source of feed and short-term pasture for their cattle herds. Instead, we just leave the stubble intact after harvesting the last crop to hold the soil in place against the strong winds and occasional heavy rains we receive.
HFT: In your opinion, what is the most important aspect of sustainable farming, and why?
CN: Sustainable farming means so many things to different people, but this is what it means to me. My Grandpa who started our farm in the '40s was born exactly 100 years ago. He started learning how to farm in this wonderful, but often harsh, area of the Northern Plains. Our family has been building on three generations of experience and advancements in technology to produce the most product with the least amount of resources and no long-term damage to our land.
In a world where instant results are expected, in farming, we only get to see the results of our hard work ONCE/a year. It takes patience and perseverance to be successful. If my generation messes up the land on our family farm, how will future generations be able to make a living off of it? Every piece of land we farm I like to think someone in the family will be successfully farming it in another 80 years down the road.
So the next time you enjoy a bowl of cereal or a glass of soy milk, remember the important role that South Dakota's farmers play in producing the food and products we rely on every day.
