State Approves Over $176 Million in Economic Development Projects, Creating 175 Jobs

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - The South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), along with the Board of Economic Development and the Economic Development Finance Authority (EDFA), has approved a series of projects expected to inject over $176 million in capital expenditure and create 175 full-time jobs across the state.

The projects span essential South Dakota industries, including major expansions in agriculture and manufacturing, signaling potential for responsible growth across various communities.

Governor Larry Rhoden commented on the economic focus, stating, “These projects highlight what drives South Dakota’s economy - responsible growth in agriculture and manufacturing. Ag is king in South Dakota, and supporting producers, processors, and innovators keeps our state strong for generations to come.”

Agricultural and Livestock Investments

A significant portion of the approved funding is directed toward expanding the state's agricultural sector:

·         Dairy Expansion: The EDFA issued a Livestock Nutrient Management Bond of up to $12 million to Silverstreak Dairies, LLP, and Warner Dairy, LLP. This bond supports solid waste disposal expenses for the expansion of the Warner Dairy project in Brown County, which will accommodate approximately 5,100 wet milking cows and over 300 dry cows and replacements.

·         Sow Farm Development: Two Reinvestment Payment Program grants were approved under Pipestone Management for new breed-to-wean sow farms:

o    Century Swine RE, LLC received a grant of up to $1,304,464 for the construction of a 12,000-head sow farm in Edmunds County. This facility is expected to raise piglets for marketing and create local jobs while sourcing feed and utilities from nearby vendors.

o    Hord Family Farms of SD, LLC was approved for a grant of up to $862,806 to support an 8,773-head sow farm in Miner County. This project aims to enhance local agricultural output and employment opportunities.

·         Whitewood Dairy Facility: Whitewood Dairy, LLC, was approved for a Reinvestment Payment Program grant of up to $1,988,742 to support the development of a 9,500-head dairy facility in Whitewood. The facility will feature new barns and milking systems designed to improve operational efficiency.

Business and Consolidation Support

The Board also approved funding for business development projects outside of core agriculture:

·         Sioux Falls Consolidation: Social Fan, LLC (GameDay Social) was approved for an SD Works loan of $900,000. The funding will support consolidating operations into a single, centralized facility in Sioux Falls, intended to expand the company’s in-house production and fulfillment capabilities, improve efficiency, and support future growth.

·         Rapid City Property Purchase: Driven Properties, LLC was approved for an SD Works loan of $80,000 to support the purchase of a 2,800-square-foot, two-level office building in Rapid City. The goal of the project is to allow the company to establish a long-term presence in the community.

GOED Commissioner Bill Even highlighted the collaborative nature of the approvals: “When businesses grow in our small towns, it creates a ripple effect that strengthens the whole community. Each of these projects represents a partnership between the state, local leaders, and business owners working together to move South Dakota forward.”