northland

Ethanol backers criticize EPA over indirect land-use issue

Some ag-state lawmakers and pro-ethanol forces are decrying the use of foreign factors to determine the environmental impact of U.S. biofuels.
Their comments came Wednesday as the EPA released its rules for the implementation of the Renewable Fuels Standard adopted by Congress in 2007. The standard requires that 36 billion gallons of the nation’s fuel come from renewable sources by 2022.

By Seth Tupper , February 04, 2010

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USDA enhances integrity and defensibility of farm programs and streamlines payment limits for family farmers

HURON, SD, Jan. 5, 2010 - Craig Schaunaman, State Executive Director of USDA's Farm Service Agency in South Dakota announced today that USDA is partnering with the Internal Revenue Service to reduce fraud in farm programs and streamlining payment limits for family farmers. The actions are intended to strengthen the integrity and defensibility of USDA farm safety net programs and help the agricultural industry to meet requirements included in the 2008 Farm Bill.

By News release , January 05, 2010

Former Mission rancher new ag dean at SDSU

A former president and general manager of a ranch at Mission is the new dean of agriculture at South Dakota State University.
The Brookings-based university announced that Barry Dunn, an agricultural academic administrator with South Dakota ties, will assume the duties of dean of the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. The announcement was made Monday morning to college faculty and university personnel. He begins his duties May 22.

December 29, 2009

Howard men create farm improvements

HOWARD — Randy Leith wanted a way to take better care of smaller roads in his county. Dave Clarke wanted a way for farmers to cover more ground in less time.
Both Howard men have completed their self-assigned missions and are hoping the rest of the world is ready to take notice.

By Austin Kaus , December 29, 2009

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White Lake teen sells prized steer for $22,000

WHITE LAKE — Bayley Kroupa is no stranger to showing cattle in the Sale of Champions, a part of the North American International Livestock Exposition at which buyers can bid on animals raised by youth from across the country.
But even three previous years of experience didn’t prepare her for the rush that comes from watching a prized animal sell for $22,000.

By Austin Kaus , December 18, 2009

Bill may aid S.D. railroad patrons

Hoping to give South Dakota farmers “a fair shake” from rail carriers, John Thune has thrown his support behind legislation designed to assist small shippers who do not have the expertise to make challenges or complaints about their rail service.

By Korrie Wenzel , December 17, 2009

As one area livestock auction closes, others adapt to changing markets

The lights are out, the pens are empty and the stove is cold at the Wagner Livestock Auction. Owner Dale Meyer, 83, said it wasn’t easy to make the decision to pull the plug on a business he built over a lifetime, but it had to be done.

By Ross Dolan , December 12, 2009

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Barrick: No-till clinic a success

The No-till Clinic recently held in Mitchell drew a crowd of over 100 people. Cover crops are still a big topic. We had a plot near Tyndall this year and one at Lake Andes.

By Roger Barrick , December 11, 2009

Cold weather prompts shortage of No. 1 diesel fuel in region

The rapid onslaught of frigid weather and a late harvest have created a demand wave for No. 1 diesel fuel throughout the region.
It’s been tough to find for consumers and suppliers alike.
“It got cold so fast we didn’t have enough on hand,” said Tammy Lorang, owner of Mount Vernon Gas & Oil.

By Ross Dolan , December 11, 2009

Bumper harvest looks to drag into 2010

TRIPP — Snow was clearly visible in parts of a wind-scoured field David Guthmiller and his father, Delmar, were combining Thursday afternoon northeast of Tripp.
“It’s been a good harvest,” said David Guthmiller, “but a long harvest.”
For some farmers in the region, that snow is likely to push back the completion of harvest until next year, with one Extension specialist from Sanborn County noting that producers are “racing the storms.”

By Austin Kaus , December 11, 2009

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Region students compete at state FFA event

FFA members from across South Dakota met on Dec. 6 and 7 for the State FFA Leadership Career Development Events in Pierre.
Winning teams and individuals will advance and compete in their career Development Event areas at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., next fall.

December 10, 2009

Cow, bull program planned Tuesday

PLANKINTON — A cow and bull informational program will be on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 10:30 a.m. at the 4-H Building, Plankinton; and at 6 p.m. at the 4-H building in Forestburg.

December 09, 2009

In Other Words: Farmers: A great resource

This Thanksgiving, families across this nation gathered to count blessings, gobble up great food and bask in the abundance of what Americans have come to know as food security. I am a South Dakota farmer and I am proud to help provide for our nation’s food security through my every day activities.

By Dave Fremark , December 03, 2009

S. Dakota turkey production on three-year decline

Nationally, producers of two Thanksgiving staples have faced problems feared by all agricultural producers: lower demand, high input costs and a weak export market.
However, one holiday-related product is faring worse than the other in South Dakota.

By Austin Kaus , November 25, 2009

Opinion: An unexpected bonus while hunting

Don, one of my best friends, is a farmer. Like any great artist, he leaves his signature on any given field. It may be the well thought out planting of trees, or it may be a few rows of milo down the middle of a CRP field. Last Sunday while pheasant hunting, we learned that he had taken his personal touch to a new level. After harvesting a wheat field last August, Don planted a mix of turnips, radishes, peas and lentils over the stubble. This adds nitrogen to the soil. The deep-penetrating radishes also aerate the soil.

By Roger Wiltz , November 25, 2009