The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources along with 4 other Ag groups and East River Electric Cooperative have released a new study which shows agriculture contributes over $32 billion to the state’s economy. DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts says despite some challenges, agriculture continues to be South Dakota’s largest and most important industry.

He says their study shows 21 percent of the jobs in the state are tied to agriculture and that that should help in attracting new businesses to South Dakota.

Roberts says agriculture also has a role in the state’s tourism industry.

One of the groups involved in the latest study is AG United of South Dakota. Their Executive Director Steve Dick says having local government control helps advance agricultural operations which in turn benefits the state.

South Dakota DANR, Ag United of South Dakota, South Dakota Dairy Producers, Corn Utilization Council, Central Plains Dairy Foundation and East River Electric Power Cooperative all partnered in the study.