Larry Pressler: “South Dakota farmers and ranchers are looking to value-added products as one way to better market their commodities and…”

“South Dakota farmers and ranchers are looking to value-added products as one way to better market their commodities and products. By adding value to the basic commodity, farmers and ranchers can realize higher prices and improved income. This is being witnessed for all of agriculture, from grain farmers to livestock producers. South Dakota is a leading State in finding innovative ways to add value to agricultural products. For example, South Dakota is a leader in the production of ethanol and more ethanol facilities are being planned to be built in South Dakota. By the end of the year a new soybean processing plant will begin production in a new facility in Volga, SD. Currently there are serious negotiations underway for a new beef packing plant which would service South Dakota and regional livestock producers. Another venture in western South Dakota is a plan for the Nation's first lamb packing facility that would combine slaughtering, breaking, packing, and shipping under one roof. The facility would provide fresh lamb products to wholesalers and distributors within the food industry. The facility would be called Monument Meats and be located in Belle Fourche, SD.”