Growing like a weed

South Dakota remains top state for hemp acreage

Melisa Goss
May 14, 2024
May 14, 2024

Hemp bale — Ken Meyer examines a bale of hemp fiber, ready for processing at his facility in Winfred, S.D., during an open house last August. South Dakota has led the national in hemp acres for the last two years.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Melisa Goss

South Dakota leads the nation in hemp production for the second straight year.

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Hemp processor ready for harvest to roll in

“I think the best days for this industry are definitely ahead of us.”

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Building for the future

Ray Kaderli wants to drive demand for products made from hemp, and he’s starting with houses.

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Melisa Goss, Assistant Editor for the Tri-State Neighbor, is a South Dakota farm girl whose love of travel has allowed her to see ag’s vital impact around the world, from America’s heartland to the rice paddies of Southeast Asia and many places in between. She makes her home in Hartford with her husband, daughter and miniature schnauzer. You can reach her at mgoss@lee.net.