South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden says value-added agriculture remains a priority for strengthening the state’s economy. Speaking at the Governor’s Ag Summit in Pierre, Rhoden pointed to recent investments in food processing and biofuels that create additional demand for agricultural products. “Last year, I proudly supported value opportunities, including Smithfield, Dakota BioWorks, Bell Brands Cheese, High Plains Processing. Those investments will benefit not only our farmers, but also our economy and our state for generations to come.” Rhoden also highlighted the state’s ethanol industry. “South Dakota ethanol plants produce over 1.5 billion gallons of ethanol annually, providing more fuel choices at the pump, lowering fuel costs and supporting our state’s number one industry.”
