Five Unique Made-in-South Dakota Products You Should Know

When you think of farms in South Dakota, crops like soybeans, corn, and wheat probably come to mind. While these traditional crops make up much of our state’s agriculture, South Dakotans also grow many other products. From fish food made from soybeans to honey that travels the country, the range of made in South Dakota products is impressive.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some unexpected products grown and raised in our state. Learn about the sustainable practices behind them and where you can find them. 

The Role of Soybeans in Sustainable Farming

Soybeans are more than just a major crop in South Dakota; they play a key role in sustainable farming. Rich in protein and oil, soybeans are an essential part of feeding livestock, but they also support soil health by adding organic matter and nutrients back into the ground.

Many farmers use soybeans in crop rotation, helping to prevent soil erosion and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. South Dakota’s soybean farmers are committed to sustainable practices that protect both the environment and the future of agriculture.

Fish Food Made from Soybeans

Soybeans aren’t just for feeding livestock—they’re also becoming an important part of fish farming. In South Dakota, producers transform soybeans into fish pellets, providing a nutrient-dense food source for aquaculture. Prairie AquaTech, based in Brookings, is leading the charge in developing sustainable fish food from locally grown soybeans. Get a deeper insight into Prairie AquaTech and their connection to the soybean community.

By using soy-based feed, fish farmers can reduce their environmental impact while ensuring their fish grow healthy and strong. This innovative use of soybeans highlights how versatile this crop can be beyond traditional farming.

Hops for Craft Breweries

Hops, the ingredient that gives beer its signature bitter flavor, are grown right here in South Dakota. At 6th Meridian Farm near Yankton, Ryan Heine and his wife, Michelle Donner, cultivate hops on five acres of land. They transform their crops into pellets used by local breweries to create craft beers with a distinct flavor.

You can enjoy the taste of their hops in brews from places like Crow Peak Brewing Co. in Spearfish and Remedy Brewing in Sioux Falls. Growing hops locally reduces transportation costs and supports the state’s growing craft beer industry.

Honey from Traveling Bees

Local honey is another product that might surprise you. Nic Hogan, a beekeeper from South Dakota, manages over 5,000 bee colonies across the state. His bees are not only responsible for producing honey but also play a crucial role in pollinating crops nationwide. Nic and his bees travel across the U.S., working in places like California’s almond groves and Texas’s vegetable fields.

Learn more about the importance of pollinators like Nic's Bees.

Beekeepers like Nic partner with farmers to make informed decisions that protect bees and crops, ensuring sustainable pollination. Next time you drizzle honey on your toast, you might be supporting local bees from South Dakota!

Sunflowers: More Than Just a Pretty Field

Driving through South Dakota, you’ll likely pass fields of sunflowers waving in the wind. Moriah and Austin Gross are part of a fifth-generation farm in Sully County, the sunflower capital of the United States. Beyond their bright beauty, sunflowers serve a variety of uses, from producing sunflower oil to creating seeds for snacking.

The Gross family also practices sustainable farming, including conservation tillage, which helps preserve the soil and water. They often invite the public to enjoy their sunflower fields, combining their farming with agritourism to share the experience with others.

Goat Meat: A Global Staple Raised in South Dakota

While goat meat might not be a common meal on your table, it’s a popular staple worldwide. Leslie Zubke, a lifelong farmer from Watertown, raises goats as a sustainable source of meat. Goats require less land and resources to raise compared to larger livestock, making them an environmentally friendly choice.

Leslie cares for over 20 female goats, known as “nannies,” and one male goat, a “billy.” Her goats are often sold at sales barns and shipped to grocery stores around the world. Although it might not be a regular item in South Dakota homes, goat meat is a nutritious, lean alternative enjoyed in many cultures.

Other Crops Grown in South Dakota

In addition to surprising products like fish food, hops, and honey, South Dakota farmers grow traditional crops. These crops support our state’s agricultural economy. Soybeans, corn, and wheat are some of the top crops grown here. These staples not only feed livestock but are also essential for producing biofuels, processed foods, and other everyday products.

See a map of what's grown throughout South Dakota.

More Than Corn and Soybeans

While soybeans, corn, and wheat are the top crops grown in South Dakota, the state’s farms produce a variety of other crops that play a big role in local and national markets. Oats, barley, and alfalfa are just a few examples.

Conclusion

South Dakota offers more than just traditional crops. From innovative uses of soybeans to sustainable honey production, farmers are producing high-quality, environmentally friendly goods. Supporting these local producers benefits both the economy and the land.

Get to know how and when South Dakota farmers like Colin Nachtigal plant these different crops.

Whether it's a product grown, raised, or crafted here, it reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and community. There's always something new to appreciate in South Dakota agriculture.