South Dakota, a key state in the Great Plains region, is divided by the Missouri River into two distinct geographic and socioeconomic areas commonly referred to by locals as East River and West River. The eastern portion benefits from fertile soils and higher precipitation, supporting diverse crop production including corn, soybeans, and wheat, which dominate the agricultural landscape there. In contrast, the western half features more arid and rugged terrain, where ranching—particularly cattle operations—serves as the primary agricultural activity. Recent data highlights ongoing trends, such as increasing adoption of conservation practices like no-till farming across the state, with corn-soybean rotations remaining prevalent in the east while central areas show more variability in crop systems. As of the latest 2024 U.S. Small Business Administration profile using 2021 data, South Dakota hosts approximately 94,379 small businesses, underscoring their vital role in the state's economy.
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