Local Industries. International Growth.
South Dakota businesses can find new markets, diversify their revenue, and spark growth through international trade. South Dakota Trade works with companies to administer STEP Grants and foster trade partnerships, especially in key industries of growth and impact.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing accounts for every 1 out of 10 jobs in South Dakota. Companies here manufacture a variety of high-quality goods, from world-class precision ag products to electronic display boards found at sports stadiums across the globe.
Bioscience
South Dakota’s bioscience industry is thriving, with the nation’s highest concentration of animal scientists and second-highest concentration of soil and plant scientists. South Dakota offers a wealth of support through partners and programs that promote research, advocacy, and education in biotech.
Value-Added Agriculture
South Dakota is a food processing hub, home to companies like Smithfield, CJ Schwan’s and Bel Brands. From consumer-packaged goods to dairy and pork, South Dakota is at the forefront of value-added ag with one-of-a-kind research facilities and a rich history in food production.
Livestock Development
In South Dakota, agriculture’s impact on our economy is significant. The state is responsible for raising 3% of the nation’s hog inventory and 4% of national cattle and calf inventory. In addition to feeding the world, livestock production helps feed economic development through job growth.
Precision Agriculture
Precision ag uses GP technologies and a variety of computerized monitoring and application equipment to provide real-time data that can help ag producers respond quickly and precisely to conditions. As a leader in this space, South Dakota has the fifth highest precision ag practice utilization.
Cybersecurity
Data breaches, malware infections and identity theft are vulnerabilities we know all too well. But in South Dakota, we’re growing rapidly to meet these challenges, thanks to powerhouse cyber hubs like Dakota State University, one of 13 designated Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations.
Financial Services
South Dakota is home to some of the world’s largest financial institutions and service providers, including CitiBank, Wells Fargo and PREMIER Bankcard. We are the global leader in trust administration and management with over $500 billion in assets housed right here on the prairie.
Chemicals & Biofuel
South Dakota is leading the clean-energy revolution with state-of-the-art biofuel facilities. Our state is well-known for producing high-quality, low-carbon ethanol and is investing in renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuels.
