This Surprising Crop Could Change Everything For South Dakota
Recently, I sat down with a bowl of popcorn that wasn't actually popcorn at all. It was much smaller, crunchier and surprisingly, tastier. As it turns out, what I was actually eating was sorghum, an ancient grain that is fast becoming one of South Dakota's most important crop exports.
While many of us drive by these red and brown fields without giving it much thought, this super-crop is quickly becoming a game-changer for the Mount Rushmore State's economy.
Sorghum - South Dakota's Forgotten "Cash Crop"
Sorghum (also known as Milo) is becoming an important cash crop in the state of South Dakota, and it's only getting bigger. According to the USDA, in 2025, South Dakota ranked fourth in overall Sorghum production at 16.8 million bushels, up two spots from the year before.
Sorghum is mainly grown in the state's central and southern counties, with Charles Mix being the top producer, followed by Aurora and Brule counties. While SD's eastern counties are dominated by corn (due to more rainfall), the area directly west of the Missouri River is an ideal spot for Sorghum to thrive.
These counties produce a large amount of the crop because it handles the wind and heat coming off the plains better than almost any other type of grain a farmer could think of planting.
As I mentioned in the open, Sorghum is much more than livestock feed. These days, it's a natural, gluten-free option that's packed with antioxidants, making it a rising star for people looking to eat healthier. Not only is the Sorghum popcorn absolutely delicious, but so are the countless other foods like stews, soups, and even salads.
To learn more about the rising star that is sorghum and the versatile things it can do, check out the National Sorghum Producers Website.
Story Sources: World Population Review Website, USDA Website
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Gallery Credit: Katelyn Leboff