South Dakota
See how South Dakota beef farmers and ranchers are raising sustainable beef through land-saving, wildlife-preserving, and award-winning environmental efforts.
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BEEF
South Dakota Family Feedlot Protects and restores local land and water resources
The Moes Family Feedlot in Watertown, South Dakota began expanding in 2011 to create more comfortable and spacious lots for cattle to continue to get high-quality feed. The family also takes great strides to clean the cattle pens and put the waste back into the land to fertilize the soil, decreasing the use of commercial fertilizer and increasing the moisture and organic matter levels in the soil. Moes Family Feedlot also takes advantage of different technologies to ensure that cattle are healthy and receiving the proper nutrients in their food. The conservation steps don't just stop with their own cattle though. The family has also planted 25 acres of trees to serve as a windbreak and to provide habitat for the local wildlife. For their dedication to sustainability, the Moes Family Feedlot was awarded the prestigious Environmental Stewardship Award (ESAP).
"When we do all this, we’re thinking of the next generation. We want to make this land as good—or better—than when we got it for them. So by making it as good or better for them they can keep growing and expanding, and keep this symbiotic relationship with the livestock and the wildlife." - Bryan Moes, Moes Family Feedlot
Meet More Members of the Beef Community:
Todd and Deb Mortenson
Meet Todd, Deb and their son Quinn of Mortenson Ranch, an 18,000-acre ranch located in west-central South Dakota along the Cheyenne River. The ranch has been in the family for well over a hundred years and is currently being run by the third generation. The environmental stewardship exhibited on the ranch has long been a source of pride for the Mortensons. The ranch has won numerous conservation awards including The Leopold Award and National Cattlemen's Beef Association Region 7 Environmental Stewardship Award. The ranch continues to host tours as a way to demonstrate to the public how a working ranch benefits the land and all the species that depend on it. The diversity of plants and wildlife species is something to behold.
Raising Beef in South Dakota
Raising beef is a complex process, but throughout the entire journey, one thing remains constant – the shared commitment to raising cattle in a safe, humane and environmentally sustainable way by using the latest technology and resources. Today, there are more than 3.6 million cattle and over 13,000 cattle farms and ranches in South Dakota. Learn more about the beef farmers and ranchers who are raising beef from pasture to plate in The Mount Rushmore State.
popular South dakota-inspired recipes
BEEF SIRLOIN KABOBS WITH ROASTED RED PEPPER DIPPING SAUCE
Steak Kabobs are a hit with the family because they are tender, flavorful and are fast to grill. Try the red-pepper dipping sauce to delight your table.
GRILLED FLANK STEAK AND POTATO SALAD
If you like potato salad, this recipe is for you. Beef up this summer staple with flavorful beef Flank Steak, barbecue sauce, and colorful peppers in a vinaigrette.
south dakota fact
South Dakota is a leading state for cattle, hogs, lambs, sheep and wool production.
Discover More State Stories
See how beef farmers and ranchers around the country are implementing land-saving, wildlife-preserving, and award-winning environmental efforts.
beef sustainability
cattlemen and the environment
Today beef is produced using fewer resources than ever before. But conservation is never complete; ranchers work hard to feed a growing population, while, at the same time, reduce water use, care for the land, and protect the environment.
south dakota beef industry council
Learn more about the South Dakota Beef Industry Council and the work they do within the state.