FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2025 

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

 

Agriculture Trade Day Recognized in South Dakota 

 

PIERRE, S.D. - Governor Rhoden, Secretary Roberts, and South Dakota Trade recognize March 19th as Agriculture Trade Day in South Dakota in appreciation for the contribution agriculture trade makes to the state's and the nation's economies. The day also honors the farmers who grow our food, the ranchers who raise it, and related agricultural businesses that all make it their mission to secure our nation's food supply. 

 

“South Dakota farmers and ranchers are global leaders in productivity. They provide food, fiber and fuel for the world,” said Governor Rhoden. “I have fostered agriculture trade by leading highly productive South Dakota trade missions to Mexico, Japan, and Taiwan along with supporting a trade mission to Israel.” 

  

Agriculture is South Dakota’s number one industry, with agricultural exports of $5.4 billon which provide over 17,000 careers across the state. This supports South Dakota’s rural communities, generating jobs, driving innovation, and connecting local producers to global markets. 

 

South Dakota’s ag industry is among the most productive in the world. The state ranks among the top producers of corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, sunflowers, sorghum, dry edible beans, honey, lambs, pigs, beef cattle, bison, and oats. 

   

“South Dakota stands as the cream of the crop in agricultural production and exports in the United States, providing a vast array of products that are critical both domestically and internationally,” said Secretary Roberts.  

  

“South Dakota has always punched above our weight in agriculture, and with trade it is no different. Our state has the second highest level of agricultural exports per capita, thanks to our farmers and ranchers who are some of the most productive in the world.” said Luke Lindberg, CEO of South Dakota Trade 

 

South Dakotans are encouraged to learn about the role South Dakota and its agriculture trade partners play in supporting producers in feeding the world.