South Dakota Farm Jobs
[talent]
Directory of Farms, Orchards, etc
| Berrybrook U-Pick 44578 280th Street, Marion, SD 57043 Harvest Time: April – July Main Crops: Honey, Raspberries, Strawberries |
Country Apple Orchard 27249 SD Hwy 115, Harrisburg, SD 57032 605-743-2424 Harvest Time: August – October Main Crops: Apples, Pumpkins |
| Grandma’s Farm & Zoo 28443 Old Highway 79, Hot Springs, SD 57747 605-535-2158 Harvest Time: May – October Main Crops: Asparagus, Beans, Beets, Blueberries, Broccoli, Carrots, Cherries, Corn, Cucumbers, Grapes, Herbs, Melons, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Pumpkins, Raspberries, Rhubarb, Summer Squash, Strawberries, Tomatoes, and Other Vegetables |
Hebda Family Produce 30661 444th Ave, Mission Hill, SD 57046 605-665-2806 hebdaproduce@msn.com Harvest Time: June – October Main Crops: Apples, Broccoli, Carrots, Cherries, Eggplant, Lettuce, Plums, Pumpkins, Raspberries, Strawberries, Sweet Potatoes, and Other Assorted Fruits and Vegetables |
| Hull Prairie Garden 24466 393rd Ave, Mt. Vernon, SD 57363 605-236-5404 Harvest Time: May – September Main Crops: Asparagus, Blackberries, Currants, and Raspberries |
Sanderson Gardens 47657 US Hwy 14, Aurora, SD 57002 605-693-4871 Harvest Time: June – October Main Crops: Pumpkins, Raspberries, Rhubarb, Strawberries |
Working in South Dakota
As the top industry in the state, South Dakota agriculture serves many major purposes and represents the largest economic draw for the area. With a population resting around 853,000, the state reported more than 122,000 citizens held agricultural jobs in 2012, which amounts to roughly 15% of the total populace. Farmers utilize approximately 43.7 million acres of land, or 68,280 square miles, for pastureland and farmland. However, the Great Plains territory encompasses only 77,116 square miles, or 49.2 million acres, which renders over 88% of The Mount Rushmore State reserved for farming. Each year, traditional crop farming and livestock raising produce between $19 billion and $25 billion worth of economic impact across the state.
Early settlers in the area encountered harsh conditions upon arriving in South Dakota. With dry arid summers, lack of timber and water supplies further west of the Missouri River, and brutal winters, the pioneers saw the necessity of inventing new ways to farm. Through the use of windmills to tap underground reservoirs and dry farming techniques developed in the early 1900s, farmers slowly began to cross over into the Great Plains territory with confidence. Cattle represented the first real, formidable industry in The Mount Rushmore State; however, legislation limiting the size of ranches and harsh winters led to a decline in the industry, although cattle and livestock raising still represents a large portion of the state gross domestic product.
In contemporary times, special grants and other government-subsidized provisions allow the industry to grow and prosper as new technologies develop and safer environmental practices come to the forefront of farming practices. The average farm consists of roughly 1,400 acres, mainly used for grazing. As of January 2015, more than 3.7 million head of cattle resided in South Dakota and around 4.5 million turkeys. Cattle produced around 2.1 billion pounds of milk the same year, which directly generated more than $520 million in revenues. Agricultural operations produce the largest supplies of farmed bison in the U.S., as well. Other than livestock, top commodities cultivated in the state include corn, soybeans, and wheat. Specifically, the Great Plains state produces distinct types of wheat, including hard red winter wheat, durum wheat, and hard red spring wheat. Grapes used for wine making also play a prevalent role in farming productions.
Despite some declines in the industry over the last 100 or so years, the South Dakota livestock trade provides the most opportunities for farmhands and migrant workers to find meaningful employment. Most ranches require teams of employees to round up cattle during harvest. Modern methods of rounding up cattle involve the use of trucks and trailers as opposed to horses, which renders most jobs highly obtainable with valid driver’s licenses and minimal experience. Most ranches ask prospective employees to remain open to flexible schedules and to feel comfortable working all hours of the day. A majority of the work involved in ranching requires manual dexterity, endurance, stamina, and alertness. Ranch hands regularly earn between $10.00 and $15.00 per hour, with opportunities to move into supervisory roles over time.
Aspiring fruit and vegetable pickers often find long-term employment on large commercial farms or small, family-owned operations, as well. Many commercial outfits hire graders and sorters to inspect the quality of commodities before sale or shipment. Smaller farms need pickers to harvest and/or plant crops during certain times of the year. While smaller, family-owned South Dakotan farms mostly hire individuals on part-time bases, opportunities for full-time work may arise as workers prove value and demonstrate abilities. Typical pay scales for part-time or full-time picking jobs fall around $10.00 hourly. Employees on both large commercial farms and smaller, private operations may also receive various work benefits for services rendered. Discounts or duty-free products remain commonplace among fruit and vegetable pickers. Individuals in career-oriented positions, either state-appointed or administrative, may become eligible for health insurance plans, 401(k) retirement plans, and paid time off.