News/Investigations

While opinion of the president's aggressive policies is mixed among voters, some businesses and agricultural producers are put off by the volatility. "The uncertainty is what causes disruption," one rancher said.

South Dakota is No. 1 in hemp fiber production. But as its farmers and processors grow the industry, federal legislation threatens some sectors of it. 'We just want to know, where are we at?"

From breeding to birth: How South Dakota cattle producers use technology to lose fewer calves and get more sleep.

Soybean farmers are nearing panic mode and corn growers are expecting low prices and profits, but cattle ranchers may see record revenues this year.

"Crops and cattle are among the most beloved things (in the state). ... You had critters here who were completely dependent on the defendants for their lives, and for whatever reason, they neglected that duty."

Effects at the National Weather Service offices in Aberdeen, Rapid City and Sioux Falls include unfilled jobs and fewer weather balloons.

Turkeys, cattle, cats and pheasants in South Dakota have been infected with bird flu. Scientists worry: Is a large human outbreak next? South Dakota is second in the nation for bird flu outbreaks at commercial poultry farms and an infection at a pheasant farm that led to the death of 30,000 birds.