Rural
Total 168 Posts
A look inside a CAFO: SD farmers share stories of a life in livestock
MILLER, S.D. – The expansion of concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs, in South Dakota is without a doubt one of the most controversial topics in agriculture.
CAFOs are large livestock farms that generally house 1,000 or more animals in a confined, indoor space at any one time.
Supporters
State financial incentive program for CAFOs criticized as ‘bribery’
The state of South Dakota entered the fray over siting of new large livestock operations in the state when it created an economic development initiative in early 2019 that can provide large payments to counties that approve new concentrated animal-feeding operations.
The program, which has not yet distributed any funds,
Human health, environmental and antibiotic concerns follow CAFO development
A growing body of research into the rising number of concentrated animal feeding operations across the United States reveals deepening concerns over impacts on human health and the environment.
The high concentration of manure and other wastes created by animals housed in confined areas — and the storage and spreading of
Expansion of large CAFO livestock farms causing division and concern across South Dakota
Editor’s note: This is the first of a four-part series on expansion of CAFOs in South Dakota.
The livestock industry in South Dakota — among the state’s largest economic engines — is undergoing a fundamental transformation that may alter farms, farmers and rural communities for generations to come.
Despite a
Rural doctor shortage in SD worsened by lack of physician training opportunities
A widespread shortage of primary care physicians in rural South Dakota is putting many of the state’s residents in danger of not being able to access the regular, preventive healthcare they need to live healthier lives. The shortage is being driven, in part, by a lack of post-graduate training
Rural SD schools face unique challenges that can affect learning
WOONSOCKET, S.D. – Small, rural school systems in South Dakota and across the country face sometimes daunting challenges in providing a strong education to students.
Limited funding, difficulty in hiring and retaining good teachers, remoteness and transportation challenges, high poverty rates among students and reduced access to college-preparatory courses can
Reform of agricultural land taxation could help farmers but shift burden to homeowners and businesses
As the property tax takes a larger share of their incomes — and at a time when many are hurting financially — South Dakota farmers and ranchers are pushing for reform of the state’s system of valuing and taxing their lands.
But as a decade-long process of updating the system nears