Deadline Approaching for Farm and Ranch Recognition Program

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Department of Agriculture says the cutoff date is approaching to apply for a farm and ranch recognition program that celebrates families who have had operations for 100 or 125 successive years.

The department said Tuesday that the deadline to apply is Aug. 13.

The program offers honors to farmers and ranchers who have owned 80 acres of farmland or more for 100 years or 125 years. A ceremony to recognize recipients is planned for September at the South Dakota State Fair.

The department says agriculture employs more than 115,000 South Dakota residents and is the state's top industry.

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