News
Confirmation Hearing Scheduled
Published April 23, 2025
The Senate Agriculture Committee has scheduled confirmation hearings for two of the USDA sub-cabinet appointees. Luke Lindberg, who is a South Dakotan, is nominated to be the undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs. The USDA assistant secretary for civil…Support for Large Ag Development
Published April 23, 2025
A $30 million incentive for the proposed Agristo potato processing plant in Grand Forks is on its way to Governor Kelly Armstrong’s desk. The bill promotes large agricultural development and it has passed both chambers. The bill includes an emergency…Disaster Aid Announced in Fargo
Published April 23, 2025
USDA Rural Development is releasing over $340 million in disaster relief. That includes $5 million to rebuild electric infrastructure in North Dakota to recover from severe storms and wildfires. During her stop in Fargo, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins also announced…Bilateral Trade Opportunity with India
Published April 23, 2025
During his trip to India, Vice President J.D. Vance announced progress on a bilateral trade deal. Few details were provided, but the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said the United States wants more market access, lower tariffs and the…South Dakota Spring Planting Progresses Ahead of Average
Published April 22, 2025
Farmers in South Dakota made strong planting progress last week with six days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA. Topsoil moisture was rated 19 percent adequate, while subsoil moisture was just 12 percent adequate. Corn planting reached 7 percent,…Fieldwork Picks Up Across Minnesota
Published April 22, 2025
Minnesota farmers made planting progress last week with 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Corn planting reached 9 percent completion, ahead of last year’s 7 percent and the five-year average of 4 percent.…ND Gearing Up For Spring Fieldwork
Published April 22, 2025
North Dakota farmers are gearing up for spring fieldwork, with most expecting to start around April 24, according to the USDA’s latest crop progress report. Last week saw 3.9 days suitable for fieldwork, with topsoil moisture rated 52 percent adequate…Pessimissm Seen in Rural Mainstreet Index
Published April 22, 2025
According to Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet monthly survey of rural bankers, the farm financial situation remains weak. Farmland prices dropped below neutral growth levels for the 11th time in the past 12 months. Farm equipment sales have been down for…Leopold Award Goes to Western SD Ranch
Published April 22, 2025
Stomprud Angus Ranch of Mad Butte is the recipient of the 2025 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award. The ranch is recognized for its management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land. The Leopold Award will be…