Weather
Market Access
Environmental
Economics of
Feeding in SD
Feedstuffs
Service Listings
Livestock Development
Planning
Feedlot Management
Doing Business in SD
South Dakota Livestock Feeding Development
South Dakota is in a unique position to help advance our state's largest industry into the future. Livestock feeding in South Dakota provides a great opportunity to add value to both the livestock and to the grains grown by our farmers and ranchers. Livestock feeding is a great way to boost the local farm economy as it takes many resources and services to help keep feed trucks moving and the activities associated with running a livestock feeding operation going.
South Dakota is in position for expansion because of the growth in corn farming acres (6th in nation in corn for grain) and ethanol production. Corn and distillers grain is abundantly available in South Dakota in comparison to other states that have traditionally been major players in livestock feeding. South Dakota also is a large hay (3rd in all hay production in the nation) and roughage producing state as well as a major player in wheat production, having grown to 4th in all wheat production. Many cattle feedlots in South Dakota have been taking advantage of cheap wheat straw as their roughage source and combining it with the plentiful corn and distillers grain to make some of the most economical rations in the country.
South Dakota is a prime location for sourcing high quality livestock that are well suited to be profitable feeders. We are 5th in the nation for cows that have calved and it is no secret that some of the best calves in the country come out of the Upper Great Plains. South Dakota is the nucleus of the production of those well-performing high-profitability calves that packers prefer. The swine industry 
is growing in South Dakota with many of our neighboring states generating a demand to source pigs for swine feeding operations. Our state also has a thriving lamb industry, having gained the rank of 2nd in lamb production, creating a consistent and steady supply of high quality lambs to be finished.
There are other profitable opportunities for you to take advantage of in South Dakota when it comes to livestock feeding operations and many of them are outlined in the sections and links on this website. You can also find more information or additional assistance by contacting the South Dakota Department of Agriculture at (605)773-5436 and asking for one of our Livestock Development Specialists.
If you already farm or ranch in South Dakota and are looking at expanding or diversifying your operation; or if you are looking at relocating to South Dakota, opportunities in the livestock feeding industry are here for you.
State ranking from USDA Ag Statistics 2007
State ranking from USDA Ag Statistics 2006
& Range Sciences
Beef Quality Assurance
SD Animal Industry Board
NRCS Nutrient
Management
DENR Permits
Producer Groups
County Zoning
Livestock Markets
State Ag Statistics
Financial Assistance
SD Livestock Laws