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Livestock Development

High Stock in Livestock

In South Dakota, agriculture’s impact on our economy is significant. Feedlots, hog units, poultry, dairies, and aquatic animals supply more than the food on our tables. Livestock development means jobs, too. That’s why the Governor’s Office of Economic Development remains committed to growing this vital industry.

Livestock Development

Precision Ag

Resource Links

State Agriculture Overview South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources South Dakota Agri-Business Association SDSU College of Agriculture, Food & Environment Sciences Programs SDSU Agriculture Research Field Stations
Cattle & Calves Dairy Pork Poultry

Cattle & Calves

  • 3.8 million head of cattle and calves (inventory as of January 2022)
    • 4.1 percent of national cattle and calves inventory (8th highest)
  • 1.7 billion pounds of cattle and calves produced in 2021
    • $2.2 billion value
  • 1.6 million head of beef cows (inventory as of January 2022)
    • 5.3 percent of national beef cow inventory (5th highest)

Dairy

  • 170,000 head of milk cows (inventory as of January 2022)
  • 3.6 billion pounds of milk produced in 2021
    • 23,096 pounds of milk produced per dairy cow head
    • $727.8 million value
  • 4.4 percent of milk produced was milk fat in 2021
    • Highest proportion of any state

Pork

  • 2.1 million head of hogs (inventory as of September 2022)
    • 2.8 percent of national hog inventory (10th highest)
  • 1.3 billion pounds of hogs produced in 2021
    • $958.4 million value
  • 12.4 pigs per litter in 2021
    • Highest rate of any state

Poultry

  • 4.0 million head of turkeys produced in 2021
    • 184.4 million pounds
    • $151.4 million value
  • 664.3 million poultry eggs produced in 2021
    • $35.3 million value
    • 2.1 million average layers
    • 316 average eggs per layer
Quick Facts
01

South Dakota consistently ranks in the Top 10 in production of bison, beef cows, sheep & lambs, and cattle & calves.

Quick Facts
02

43% of South Dakota’s farms are focused on animal production (nearly 13,000 farms)

Quick Facts
03

More than 55% of South Dakota ag land is dedicated to animal production (24 million acres)

Industry Data

413
Number of Establishments
3,602
Number of Employees
$39,728
Average Annual Wage
43%
Cow population growth, 2007-2017
30%
Hog breeding inventory growth

South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development

711 East Wells Ave Pierre, SD 57501
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