Menno, SD — South Dakota's small-town grain elevator count is shrinking, with fewer elevators and more pressure on cooperatives to keep pace with larger amounts of grain and a competitive marketing landscape, AgWeekreports.
Grain handlers are also challenged to handle more corn, soybeans and wheat than ever, as farmers around the region contribute to yet another expected record crop this year.
The consolidation and closures of the state’s elevators dates back 60 years. According to the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, which has overseen grain handling operators in South Dakota for 130 years, the state has 257 licensed locations that are either certified as state or federal warehouses or as processors.
In 1960, South Dakota had twice as many locations, with 533 companies in 368 locations.
To read the full report, click here.
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