From ethanol and honey to hops and hydroponic produce..farmers are looking to add value to the crops they grow. That was the theme at Value Added Ag Day at the South Dakota State Fair. Cheri Rath, Executive Director with the Value Added Ag Development Center says with lower commodity prices there is increased interest in livestock products that have pharmaceutical applications.

She says there are also more specialty crops being raised like hogs and Aronia berries, especially as the state’s wine and spirits businesses take off.

Rath says many of the value added ventures are done by traditional farmers that are looking for another income stream.

And she says they can add substantially to the economic well-being and longevity of rural communities.

More than 20 companies had booths in the Value Added Ag tent as part of the event.