After starting one of the last hemp programs in the nation, South Dakota growers aiming to take the lead

Two processing facilities expected to open in time for next growing season

A combine harvests hemp seed in South Dakota

South Dakota’s industrial hemp program was one of the last in the nation to take flight, due to political opposition.

But the industry in the state has shrugged that off, and it appears to be making up for lost time.

Following just its second growing season, the state is expected to be second in the nation for grain and fiber acres, according to Derrick Dohmann with the South Dakota Industrial Hemp Association.

“That’s a great accomplishment for us only being on our second year with the crop as a state. I’m hoping that we can take over that number one spot this year,” said Dohmann, who is with Horizon Hemp Seeds in Willow Lake.

NEWS: Pork plant lawsuit against city of Sioux Falls dismissed