The 135th annual South Dakota State Fair kicked off in Huron on Thursday with two traditional events. One was Value Added Agriculture Day which has been held for 21 years. South Dakota Value Added Agriculture Development Center Executive Director Cheri Rath says the economic hardship brought on by the pandemic has really pushed traditional farmers to look at new ways to generate income and that was on display at the event.

She says another one of the highlights was farm to table and local food opportunities, which have skyrocketed during the pandemic.

The South Dakota Farm Bureau also continued their traditional Century Farm Awards. President Scott VanderWal says it’s a celebration that is cherished by farm families.

The award presentation was changed due to the pandemic and recipients were scheduled so they could adhere to social distancing.