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A look inside a CAFO: SD farmers share stories of a life in livestock

MILLER, S.D. – The expansion of concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs, in South Dakota is without a doubt one of the most controversial topics in agriculture. CAFOs are large livestock farms that generally house 1,000 or more animals in a confined, indoor space at any one time. Supporters

State financial incentive program for CAFOs criticized as ‘bribery’

The state of South Dakota entered the fray over siting of new large livestock operations in the state when it created an economic development initiative in early 2019 that can provide large payments to counties that approve new concentrated animal-feeding operations. The program, which has not yet distributed any funds,

Human health, environmental and antibiotic concerns follow CAFO development

A growing body of research into the rising number of concentrated animal feeding operations across the United States reveals deepening concerns over impacts on human health and the environment. The high concentration of manure and other wastes created by animals housed in confined areas — and the storage and spreading of

Expansion of large CAFO livestock farms causing division and concern across South Dakota

Expansion of large CAFO livestock farms causing division and concern across South Dakota

Editor’s note: This is the first of a four-part series on expansion of CAFOs in South Dakota. The livestock industry in South Dakota — among the state’s largest economic engines — is undergoing a fundamental transformation that may alter farms, farmers and rural communities for generations to come. Despite a

Rural doctor shortage in SD worsened by lack of physician training opportunities

A widespread shortage of primary care physicians in rural South Dakota is putting many of the state’s residents in danger of not being able to access the regular, preventive healthcare they need to live healthier lives. The shortage is being driven, in part, by a lack of post-graduate training

What it takes to produce a South Dakota News Watch story

South Dakota News Watch Content Director Bart Pfankuch discusses some of the challenges of producing in-depth articles about significant statewide topics.

New midwife certification in SD allows home births with less education and clinical training

Legislation passed in 2017 in South Dakota opened the door to licensing of a new classification of “professional midwives,” who can become certified to perform home births with less training and education than “nurse midwives” who have been regulated in South Dakota for 40 years. While midwives with the new