South Dakota pork producers recovering from COVID-19 struggles
South Dakota pork producers are healing after the packing industry collapsed in 2020 when workers began contracting COVID-19. Written By: Michelle Rook | ×
Attendees at the South Dakota Pork Congress are optimistic about 2021 after coming off a year filled with difficulties from the COVID-19 pandemic. (Michelle Rook / Agweek)
Pork producers are coming off a tough year due to COVID-19, but those attending the South Dakota Pork Congress were optimistic about 2021.
Craig Andersen, outgoing South Dakota Pork Producers Council president and Centerville, S.D., producer, said both producers and packers are healing after the industry collapsed starting in April. At that time meat processing facilities started to close due to COVID-19 related illnesses among workers in the plants.
Jan 25, 2021
The South Dakota Pork Producers Council recently awarded Dr. Dustin Oedekoven of Pierre, S.D. with the Friends of the Industry Award during the Master Pork Producers Banquet.
The Friends of the Industry Award recognizes state individuals, leaders or businesses for their continued support of the pork industry. Oedekoven will receive a plaque for his outstanding involvement and service to the pork industry.
Oedekoven was raised on a diversified livestock and grain farm east of Sturgis, S.D. The Oedekoven family raised cattle, pigs, sheep, rabbits, and chickens. He learned swine husbandry from his mother, who managed a small farrow-to-finish operation, selling finished pigs weekly at Philip Livestock Auction. Active involvement in 4-H and FFA also helped to foster his interest in animal agriculture.
3 months ago in Agriculture Photo: WNAX
Agriculture groups in South Dakota have different takes on Governor Kristi Noem’s plan to merge the State Department of Agriculture with Environment and Natural Resources. The South Dakota Corn Grower’s Association has not yet taken a position according to President Scott Stahl.
Also not taking an official position yet is the South Dakota Soybean Association and the State Cattlemen’s Association. The State Farm Bureau however is in favor of the merger according to President Scott VanderWal.
South Dakota Farmers Union’s lobbyist Mitch Richter says his group is opposing the merger.