South Dakota Ag Secretary Wants More Livestock on Farms

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Agriculture Secretary Lucas Lentsch is joining his counterpart in North Dakota in calling for more animal agriculture in the state.

The Capital Journal reports that Lentsch says putting livestock back into cropland farming will diversify farm operations and preserve traditions.

The emergence of a global grain trade about 40 years ago made it possible for farmers to quit raising animals and make their living by raising only crops. But ag officials say livestock can still be an important part of crop production today, by doing such things as putting nutrients back in the soil.

North Dakota's Agriculture Department recently launched a $15,000 marketing campaign aimed at strengthening animal agriculture in the state. Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said livestock can help support producers when crop prices are depressed.

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