Abby’s Ag News Roundup

A green tractor and a green grain cart sit parked on a field of stubble from a harvested soybean field. The sky is a moody dark blue and the lights on the tractor and grain cart are shining bright against the dark sky.

Agriculture is a big tent. From farmers and ranchers to diesel mechanics, butchers and chefs to the crew running your local grain elevator, agriculture touches our lives daily. With so much content being throw our way, I’m going to attempt to round up a few of the best ag news bits from the week. It might be good news, it might be bad. It might be educational, it might be funny. Just like ag is incredibly diverse in its occupations, my weekly roundup will sometimes feel a little chaotic. But mainly, I hope this is a quick spot you can check in, learn something and be on your way. So, let’s give week one a try!

Harvest Has Started!

While sweater weather hasn’t show up yet, combines have take to the fields and 2025 harvest is upon us. A few things of note about harvest specifically:

  • Commodity groups like South Dakota Corn do a great job of sharing harvest progress. Their social pages will continue to update followers on how much of the crop in South Dakota has been harvested and what conditions look like.
  • Be patient traveling highways, lots of equipment will be moving in the next few weeks as crews bounce from field to field. Keep yourself and producers safe by being alert and sharing the road. Learn more about farm safety here – its full of great resources!
  • My family kicked off their harvest season this week too. The stunning photo used above was taken by my brother, Garret, while they were wrapping up their first day near Huron, South Dakota.

Woster Honored by SDSU

Two men stand shoulder to shoulder in front of the stadium seats of a football stadium. The stadium is full of spectators and the two men are both wearing black shirts. The man on the right wears a gold medal hanging from a yellow ribbon around his neck.

Our founder, Jim Woster, was recognized by our alma mater, South Dakota State University last month at “Beef Bowl” – an annual event that celebrates the beefindustry at an SDSU football game. Jim helped get Beef Bowl started, so it was the perfect setting for him to receive the SDSU Presidential Medallion. This award is the highest recognition an individual can receive from SDSU, and if Woster isn’t just the perfect person to receive it.

a little boy with glasses, a fabric face mask and a blue striped shirt holds a big, bright orange pumpkin in his arms

Farmer Appreciation Day this month

Finally, National Farmers Day is October 12 and is a great day to pause and express gratitude for our ag producers. We celebrate this day annually with the Greater Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and other local ag organizations. Led by the Chamber, this even is a free, family event that celebrates the work farmers do and the importance of ag to our lives. Join us in celebrating (a couple days early) at our event on October 10. All the details you need are linked here!