FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2026 

MEDIA CONTACT: Ben Koisti, Ben.Koisti@state.sd.us 

 

Gov. Rhoden Activates State Drought Task Force 

 

PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Larry Rhoden has activated the state Drought Task Force to monitor drought conditions across South Dakota. The task force will hold its first meeting on Thursday, May 7. 

 

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows moderate to extreme drought present throughout the lower third of South Dakota with abnormally dry conditions across central parts of the state. Counties in northern South Dakota remain under normal conditions.  

 

“My administration is committed to protecting our farmers, ranchers, and communities across the state. While recent rainfall has provided some relief, drought is still impacting parts of South Dakota,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “The Drought Task Force will help us closely monitor conditions and respond quickly if needed.” 

 

The Drought Task Force coordinates the exchange of drought-related information among government agencies and partners to assess potential impacts on agriculture, fire management, and water-supplies. Through this collaboration, the Task Force can more effectively monitor drought conditions, assess drought severity, evaluate impacts, and review available drought-response resources.  

 

State agencies represented on the Drought Task Force include the Governor’s Office, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Public Safety, Department of Game, Fish and Parks, South Dakota National Guard, Department of Social Services, Department of Tourism, and the Department of Tribal Relations. Additional partners include USDA’s Farm Service Agency and Natural Resource Conservation Service, South Dakota State University Extension and School of Mines climatologists, the National Weather Service, and South Dakota Rural Water.   

 

Because of the dry conditions, the public is urged to use caution with open burns and other activities that could start fires. 

 

South Dakota’s drought monitor index can be found here. 

 

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