South Dakota sees surge in hemp cultivation, #1 in nation for production

This year, South Dakota has expanded its hemp cultivation to over 3,000 acres, reports the South Dakota Industrial Hemp Association (SDIHA). Despite leading the nation in 2023 with 2,500 acres harvested for fiber, hemp’s footprint is still small compared to the state’s millions of acres of corn and soybeans.

Ken Meyer, president of the SDIHA, highlights hemp’s suitability for South Dakota’s climate and soil, noting its low-cost cultivation without the need for irrigation.

This is the fourth growing season for hemp in the state, which has seen rapid adoption due to its compatibility with existing farming equipment.

John Peterson, owner of Dakota Hemp in wakonda, points out that the equipment needed for hemp, such as grain drills and sprayers, is the same as that used for other crops. Harvesting hemp grain requires minimal adjustments, using the same bean head as for soybeans with a simple switch of concaves.

Additionally, hemp can now be insured under multi-peril crop insurance in South Dakota, making it an attractive rotational crop alongside corn and soybeans. Hemp offers comparable returns and benefits from a growing season that aligns well with other major crops.

Farmers can plant it during the same period as corn and soybeans and harvest it earlier, allowing for subsequent planting of winter crops. Overall, hemp presents a promising opportunity for South Dakota farmers, combining ease of entry with potential economic benefits.

Story by: Scout Nelson