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Millions of grassland acres lost in Great Plains, new research report says
The Great Plains lost 1.6 million acres of grasslands in 2021. That’s according to a World Wildlife Fund report released on Thursday, detailing the loss of grasslands in the U.S. and Canadian Great Plains. From 2012 to 2021, grassland conversion in the Great Plains totaled 32 million acres, or 50,000 square miles. The Plowprint report […]
NorthWestern Energy considers building a nuclear plant in South Dakota
NorthWestern Energy is looking into the possibility of building a small nuclear plant in South Dakota. The company is targeting a potential construction date in 2030. The plant would produce between 80 and 320 megawatts. Conventional, large nuclear reactors can produce over 700 megawatts. “A decision has not been made whether or not to build […]
Farmers brace for rising interest rates after years of steady lows
Rising interest rates have farmers and lenders putting extra thought toward operational costs. Taylor Sumption is a crop farmer just north of Aberdeen. The South Dakota farmer said the higher interest rates will make his annual loans cost more for things like putting his crops in the ground. “For example, looking at putting in a […]
Wildlife group calls Rounds’ wetlands bill ‘egregious,’ but some farmers say it’s overdue
A U.S. senator from South Dakota has sparked opposing reactions with legislation that could make it easier for farmers to convert wetlands into cropland. Mike Rounds, a Republican, wants to change the “Swampbuster” provision of the 1985 farm bill. Under the existing provision, farmers lose eligibility for federal farm program benefits, like crop insurance subsidies, if […]