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 Forestry & Environment |
Forestry
Since 90 percent of the state's forest land is in the Black Hills, the South Dakota timber industry is concentrated there. Ponderosa pine is the predominant species harvested. Eighty percent of all timber harvested is used for sawlogs, with the remainder utilized as fuel wood, wood pulp, posts and poles and other minor uses. A number of saw mills operate in the Black Hills.
Environment
 Farmers and Ranchers shoulder the job of feeding a growing world population while at the same time working to protect the soil, range, water and other natural resources which provide the inputs for agriculture. while population grows, the amount of land available for producing food and fiber decreases. This means that farmers and ranchers must produce more on each available acre. doing this sometimes involves use of chemical inputs such as fertilizers or pesticides.
Farmers and ranchers are often the most cautious stewards of the land. Through experience and research, they have learned how to manage soil and water resources to protect them against erosion, contamination, or other effects. They have learned how to manage their land to provide habitat for wildlife.
Farmer, ranchers, and agricultural researchers continually work on ways to ensure the highest possible quality and quantity of food with the least impact on the environment.
 Livestock
Grains
Forestry & Environment
Ranking — 2007 USDA/NASS Report
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