Study Shows Agriculture Continues to Drive South Dakota's Economy
The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) in cooperation with AgUnited for South Dakota, South Dakota Dairy Producers, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, Central Plains Dairy Foundation and East River Electric Power Cooperative have released an economic contribution study of South Dakota agriculture.
Based on the study, agriculture, forestry and related industries contribute $32.1 billion to South Dakota’s economy, which is 29.3% of the state’s total economic output, and 129,753 jobs in South Dakota, which is 21.1% of all jobs in the state. The study also showed $11.7 billion in total value added including $5.6 billion from livestock production, $3.3 billion from corn production, $2 billion from other agriculture industries and $860 million from forestry production.
“This study confirms the resiliency of agriculture related industries in South Dakota,” said DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts. “Over the past few years, we have seen floods, a pandemic and now drought. The continued success of the industry is a testament to the hard-working farmers and ranchers in South Dakota.”
The study was prepared by Decision Innovation Solutions. View the full study.