South Dakota Agricultural Economic Impact Study released

PIERRE — The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) presents the South Dakota Agricultural Economic Impact Study, a special collaboration with South Dakota State University Extension (SDSU), National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS).

“Having measurable data showing agriculture’s impact is very important,” said Secretary of Agriculture Lucas Lentsch. “This analysis provided us with information on the impact agriculture has on our economy both statewide and at the local, county level.”

A few key findings from the study included:

• In 2012, total production agriculture and ag-related industries accounted for $25.6 billion, or more than 30 percent of South Dakota’s total output.

• Farming provides the base for a variety of agri-food industries, including food processing and the manufacture of farm machinery, chemicals and fertilizer. Taking those jobs into account means in 2012, production agriculture and ag-related industries accounted for 115,651, or 1 in every 5 jobs is ag-related in South Dakota.

• 37 of South Dakota’s counties derive at least one half of their total output from ag and ag-related industries.

To view the full study, visit http://sdda.sd.gov and click on “2014 SD Ag Economic Contribution Study” under the “Happening Now” section.