Veterans build future for industrial hemp production in South Dakota

By Lura Roti for South Dakota Farmers Union
Nov 10, 2026
2 hrs ago

Dakota Hemp business partners Karll Lecher and John Peterson credit their time serving in the Air Force and Navy with skills they put to work today operating one of only two hemp processing plants in South Dakota.
SDFU photo

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By Lura Roti for South Dakota Farmers Union

On the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, John Peterson paused to remember where he was that fateful day.

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Fifth-generation Wakonda farmer, John Peterson was recruited out of high school to train as a Navy submarine nuclear mechanic. He returned to his family's farm in 2006 and today, Peterson owns one of only two industrial hemp processing facilities in South Dakota.
SDFU photo

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Karll Lecher with his dad Mark. Recruited out of high school to serve in Air Force Security Forces, Lecher said through service he gained a deep sense of pride in a job well done.
Courtesy photo

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Karll Lecher on Air Force graduation day. He is the A-Flight guide, walking just behind the flag.
Courtesy photo

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