South Dakota Ag Groups Unite to Discuss Solutions for Cattle Industry

Leaders from six South Dakota agriculture groups came together in Pierre June 2, 2021 to unite behind solutions to help South Dakota’s cattle industry. 

The groups who met include South Dakota Livestock Auction Markets Association, South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, South Dakota Farm Bureau, South Dakota Farmers Union, R-Calf and South Dakota Stockgrowers Association.

After discussing challenges facing our state’s cattle producers, leaders from these groups all agreed there is great need for:

1.  Improved price transparency on cash and contract fed cattle

2.  Better food security

3.  Education of consumers and politicians on the challenges facing South Dakota  cattle producers and the state’s beef industry as a whole

South Dakota’s cattle industry contributes $5.8 billion to the state’s economy, according to a 2019 South Dakota Agriculture Economic Contribution Study. Leaders will meet again to further define these solutions.