Dakota Rural Action
@dakotarural.bsky.social
We build community power in promoting & protecting natural resources & resilient food & energy systems for future generations in South Dakota. ORGANIZE!
Likes & reposts are not endorsements.
www.dakotarural.org
Likes & reposts are not endorsements.
www.dakotarural.org
Reposted by Dakota Rural Action
MYTH: Data centers don’t strain the power grid.
FACT: These facilities consume power at an industrial scale, creating new demand pressures that strains grids. The IEA projects their global electricity demand could exceed 1,000 TWh by 2026 - enough to power South Dakota for 85 years! #datacenters
FACT: These facilities consume power at an industrial scale, creating new demand pressures that strains grids. The IEA projects their global electricity demand could exceed 1,000 TWh by 2026 - enough to power South Dakota for 85 years! #datacenters
November 25, 2025 at 3:41 PM
MYTH: Data centers don’t strain the power grid.
FACT: These facilities consume power at an industrial scale, creating new demand pressures that strains grids. The IEA projects their global electricity demand could exceed 1,000 TWh by 2026 - enough to power South Dakota for 85 years! #datacenters
FACT: These facilities consume power at an industrial scale, creating new demand pressures that strains grids. The IEA projects their global electricity demand could exceed 1,000 TWh by 2026 - enough to power South Dakota for 85 years! #datacenters
MYTH: Data centers don’t strain the power grid.
FACT: These facilities consume power at an industrial scale, creating new demand pressures that strains grids. The IEA projects their global electricity demand could exceed 1,000 TWh by 2026 - enough to power South Dakota for 85 years! #datacenters
FACT: These facilities consume power at an industrial scale, creating new demand pressures that strains grids. The IEA projects their global electricity demand could exceed 1,000 TWh by 2026 - enough to power South Dakota for 85 years! #datacenters
November 25, 2025 at 3:41 PM
MYTH: Data centers don’t strain the power grid.
FACT: These facilities consume power at an industrial scale, creating new demand pressures that strains grids. The IEA projects their global electricity demand could exceed 1,000 TWh by 2026 - enough to power South Dakota for 85 years! #datacenters
FACT: These facilities consume power at an industrial scale, creating new demand pressures that strains grids. The IEA projects their global electricity demand could exceed 1,000 TWh by 2026 - enough to power South Dakota for 85 years! #datacenters
The earlier we combat runoff into our waters, the less expensive it is to clean up. Once it gets downstream, the clean-up efforts required of communities to provide clean water are much more expensive. #waterpollution #CAFOs
South Dakota’s water quality debate reflects a bigger US issue:
✅ 80% of tested river stretches fail standards
✅ Ag runoff & animal waste drive E. coli spikes
✅ Downstream communities pay the price
Clean water vs. ag economics—how do we strike the balance?
#CleanWater #AgRunoff #EnvironmentalPolicy
✅ 80% of tested river stretches fail standards
✅ Ag runoff & animal waste drive E. coli spikes
✅ Downstream communities pay the price
Clean water vs. ag economics—how do we strike the balance?
#CleanWater #AgRunoff #EnvironmentalPolicy
SD's water protecters encouraged by farm regulation chatter
Public News Service (PNS) is a member-supported news service that advocates journalism in the public interest. PNS's network of state-based news services distribute high quality public interest news…
app.publicnewsservice.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:04 PM
The earlier we combat runoff into our waters, the less expensive it is to clean up. Once it gets downstream, the clean-up efforts required of communities to provide clean water are much more expensive. #waterpollution #CAFOs
South Dakota needs to pay attention because : "Now approximately 27 percent of farmers rely on healthcare from the marketplace, which is about triple the national average for the rest of the population." This will ripple through our communities #rural #healthcare #ruralhealthcare
More than a quarter of U.S. farmers rely on the Affordable Care Act, but Biden-era tax credits expire at the end of the year. civileats.com/2025/11/19/f...
Farmers Face Prospect of Skyrocketing Healthcare Premiums
More than a quarter of U.S. farmers rely on the Affordable Care Act, but despite the government shutdown, tax credits are set to expire.
civileats.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:30 PM
South Dakota needs to pay attention because : "Now approximately 27 percent of farmers rely on healthcare from the marketplace, which is about triple the national average for the rest of the population." This will ripple through our communities #rural #healthcare #ruralhealthcare
One has to wonder if this all engineered by the #meatpackers. If you wanted to drive down live #cattle prices, this scenario could have been created in a lab for that purpose. Are #beef prices lower at the grocery story? No. Are ranchers bearing the brunt of market drop? Yes. #breakupthepackers
Livestock futures react to sentiment, not just policy. When Trump said he would lift beef tariffs and open U.S. markets to more foreign beef, traders interpreted that as more supply coming and lower demand for U.S. cattle.
Ranchers hit hard as Trump lifts beef tariffs, calls for more foreign beef during market season
After President Trump moved to lift beef tariffs and spoke about foreign beef, prices fell for ranchers—but not for consumers—right as many are marketing their cattle for the year.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:56 PM
One has to wonder if this all engineered by the #meatpackers. If you wanted to drive down live #cattle prices, this scenario could have been created in a lab for that purpose. Are #beef prices lower at the grocery story? No. Are ranchers bearing the brunt of market drop? Yes. #breakupthepackers
Pretty eye-popping numbers here. The state is helping a handful of companies with a great deal of #taxdollars. Worth noting that one of the industrial dairies that has receiving over $20 million in less than 2 years is based in Minnesota. #CAFO #industrialag
As some South Dakota dairy farmers struggle to find workers and as the state’s unemployment rate remains the lowest in the nation at 1.9%, South Dakota’s economic development office continues to approve incentives for the industry.
State continues to incentivize dairies as industry struggles to find workers • South Dakota Searchlight
Two boards affiliated with the state approved $17 million of aid for businesses this month. Most of it was for dairy operations.
buff.ly
November 21, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Pretty eye-popping numbers here. The state is helping a handful of companies with a great deal of #taxdollars. Worth noting that one of the industrial dairies that has receiving over $20 million in less than 2 years is based in Minnesota. #CAFO #industrialag
Refreshing to see #SouthDakota leadership with a realistic look at #waterpollution: "I think you can have some incentives, but we’re going to have to look at some restrictions as well, and regulate.” Water is a growing concern on both sides of the river.
One of South Dakota’s top lawmakers said it may be time to move beyond financial incentives and consider new regulations on #agriculture to address the state’s polluted rivers and lakes: “I think it takes more than the carrot to address this."
With so much polluted water, SD lawmaker says state can no longer ‘dance around’ ag regulations • South Dakota Searchlight
A top lawmaker said it may be time to move beyond financial incentives and consider regulations on agriculture for water pollution.
buff.ly
November 21, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Refreshing to see #SouthDakota leadership with a realistic look at #waterpollution: "I think you can have some incentives, but we’re going to have to look at some restrictions as well, and regulate.” Water is a growing concern on both sides of the river.
Reposted by Dakota Rural Action
People do not want to live near data centers, and for good reason: they're expensive and polluting! We need Congress to oppose the forcing of data centers onto communities. Let your Reps know your thoughts: https://fwwat.ch/47P7izN
Study shows state and local opposition to new data centers is gaining steam
“As political resistance builds and local organizing becomes more coordinated, this is now a sustained and intensifying
www.nbcnews.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:51 PM
People do not want to live near data centers, and for good reason: they're expensive and polluting! We need Congress to oppose the forcing of data centers onto communities. Let your Reps know your thoughts: https://fwwat.ch/47P7izN
No surprise that giant meatpacker JBS is raking in profits no matter grocery store prices, cattle prices, tariffs, or Argentine beef imports. Pretty easy to move the pieces around on the board when you control most of them. #breakupthepackers #monopoly
JBS seems to be doing very well with high beef prices: "Our multi-protein and multi-geographic model is the foundation..." www.nationalhogfarmer.com/market-news/...
JBS Beef North America breaks record with $7.2B Q3
JBS USA Pork also achieved record revenue, driven by strong domestic demand and the expansion of branded and prepared products.
www.nationalhogfarmer.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:32 PM
No surprise that giant meatpacker JBS is raking in profits no matter grocery store prices, cattle prices, tariffs, or Argentine beef imports. Pretty easy to move the pieces around on the board when you control most of them. #breakupthepackers #monopoly
Reposted by Dakota Rural Action
"Bankruptcies will likely grow as farmers talk with lenders in the weeks ahead about this year's returns and how to finance next year's crops, farm and bankruptcy experts say. Crop prices are projected to be below or at the costs to grow the crops."
www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/...
www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/...
November 20, 2025 at 5:01 PM
"Bankruptcies will likely grow as farmers talk with lenders in the weeks ahead about this year's returns and how to finance next year's crops, farm and bankruptcy experts say. Crop prices are projected to be below or at the costs to grow the crops."
www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/...
www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/...
We love to see good news about #solarpower & #agricutlure from the good folks at @ieefa-northamerica.bsky.social !
www.wxpr.org/food-and-agr... #renewables #solarenergy
www.wxpr.org/food-and-agr... #renewables #solarenergy
Solar meets soil: Report says agrivoltaics could redefine rural prosperity
A new report shows how a developing system called Agrivoltaics has the potential to offer what supporters call a much needed economic option for Wisconsin farmers, while redefining solar development a...
www.wxpr.org
November 18, 2025 at 6:24 PM
We love to see good news about #solarpower & #agricutlure from the good folks at @ieefa-northamerica.bsky.social !
www.wxpr.org/food-and-agr... #renewables #solarenergy
www.wxpr.org/food-and-agr... #renewables #solarenergy
JBS taking a bigger slice of the egg market is not where we should be headed. More corporate domination of our #foodsupply hurts #farmers & #consumers. This is a good example of why we need resilient #localfood systems.
Global meat giant JBS, following its pattern of buying up smaller firms, expands its position in the US egg market - www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
JBS Venture Agrees to Buy Hickman’s in Push for US Egg Market
Mantiqueira USA Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the joint venture between JBS and the founders of Mantiqueira Alimentos, entered into a binding agreement to acquire Hickman’s Egg Ranch, expanding t...
www.bloomberg.com
November 18, 2025 at 5:54 PM
JBS taking a bigger slice of the egg market is not where we should be headed. More corporate domination of our #foodsupply hurts #farmers & #consumers. This is a good example of why we need resilient #localfood systems.
Communities around the country are feeling the same pressures as #SouthDakota is with #datacenters - will they raise #electricity rates? How much water will they use? How many permanent #jobs will they create? And communities are demanding answers & accountability. #localcontrol #grassroots
Even as some state lawmakers are rushing to pass legislation that would accelerate the development of data center infrastructure, communities across the country are taking steps to ensure they have a say in where and how #DataCenters are built.
Via @stateline.org
Via @stateline.org
Data center growth drives locals to fight for more say • South Dakota Searchlight
Even as some state lawmakers are rushing to pass legislation that would accelerate the development of data center infrastructure, communities across the country are taking steps to ensure they have a…
buff.ly
November 18, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Communities around the country are feeling the same pressures as #SouthDakota is with #datacenters - will they raise #electricity rates? How much water will they use? How many permanent #jobs will they create? And communities are demanding answers & accountability. #localcontrol #grassroots
Reposted by Dakota Rural Action
Farm Aid is hiring!
We have 2 positions open to join our Farmer Hotline Team, one is full-time and the other is part-time. These are both grant-funded positions with some regional focus.
Visit farmaid.org/careers for more info
We have 2 positions open to join our Farmer Hotline Team, one is full-time and the other is part-time. These are both grant-funded positions with some regional focus.
Visit farmaid.org/careers for more info
Careers at Farm Aid
Find job listings at Farm Aid, a unique nonprofit organization at the intersection of the music business, food and culture enterprises, direct services, advocacy and a grassroots movement for family farmers.
farmaid.org
November 18, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Farm Aid is hiring!
We have 2 positions open to join our Farmer Hotline Team, one is full-time and the other is part-time. These are both grant-funded positions with some regional focus.
Visit farmaid.org/careers for more info
We have 2 positions open to join our Farmer Hotline Team, one is full-time and the other is part-time. These are both grant-funded positions with some regional focus.
Visit farmaid.org/careers for more info
Short answer: Yes.
More details: Electricity prices increased 267% over 5 years for energy customers who live near newly constructed data centers.
The report said that wholesale prices have doubled since 2020, mainly in areas near data center hot spots.
More details: Electricity prices increased 267% over 5 years for energy customers who live near newly constructed data centers.
The report said that wholesale prices have doubled since 2020, mainly in areas near data center hot spots.
Do data centers lead to higher energy prices in the region? The latest fact brief:
Fact brief: Can data centers lead to higher energy prices?
A fact brief that refutes or confirms a claim with supporting information and additional evidence and context.
buff.ly
November 13, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Short answer: Yes.
More details: Electricity prices increased 267% over 5 years for energy customers who live near newly constructed data centers.
The report said that wholesale prices have doubled since 2020, mainly in areas near data center hot spots.
More details: Electricity prices increased 267% over 5 years for energy customers who live near newly constructed data centers.
The report said that wholesale prices have doubled since 2020, mainly in areas near data center hot spots.
Climate policy from an extractive multinational corporation who manipulates markets for profit? What's that old saying about foxes and chicken coops? #climate #eatlocal #USAbeef
Critics say the presence of JBS and other food companies at #COP30 could influence important negotiations around methane emissions from agriculture and deforestation.
At COP30, Brazilian Meat Giant JBS Recommends Climate Policy
The world's biggest meat company, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, is leading food-company efforts in global climate talks.
buff.ly
November 13, 2025 at 3:28 PM
South Dakota #SNAP participants will get partial benefits hopefully today as DSS said they would load them overnight, following guidance from USDA on Saturday amid the flurry of actions & court filings. Full benefits will not be released until after the federal shutdown ends. #hunger
Delayed #SNAP food assistance benefits will be loaded onto payment cards overnight, South Dakota officials said Tuesday, but recipients will receive only a portion of their usual benefits. The state hopes to load the rest later, after the federal government #shutdown ends. buff.ly/D2cdc9R
State loads partial benefits onto food assistance cards and plans to add the rest later • South Dakota Searchlight
Delayed food assistance benefits will be loaded onto recipients' payment cards Tuesday night, South Dakota officials said Tuesday, but recipients will receive only a portion of their usual benefits.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Reposted by Dakota Rural Action
New from me: I spoke to two scientists who originally helped spread the use of carbon capture. They now say it's being misused. Here's why (gift link):
The Scientists Who Popularized Carbon Capture Have a Warning About It
Many countries are relying on it to meet their climate goals, but it might hurt more than help, they say.
www.bloomberg.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:23 AM
New from me: I spoke to two scientists who originally helped spread the use of carbon capture. They now say it's being misused. Here's why (gift link):
There are many questions regarding how this #rural health fund will benefit our small hospitals & #healthare centers. Cuts to #Medicaid will greatly impact these providers & if no more than 15% of the funds can be used to pay providers for patient care, rural providers may still struggle.
Health care workers flocked to town halls or online portals during the seven weeks state leaders had to craft and submit their applications for the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, reports @kffhealthnews.org.
Concerns over fairness, access rise as states compete for slice of $50 billion rural health fund • South Dakota Searchlight
Health care workers flocked to town halls or online portals during the seven weeks state leaders had to craft and submit their applications for the Rural Health Transformation Program.
buff.ly
November 11, 2025 at 4:34 PM
There are many questions regarding how this #rural health fund will benefit our small hospitals & #healthare centers. Cuts to #Medicaid will greatly impact these providers & if no more than 15% of the funds can be used to pay providers for patient care, rural providers may still struggle.
South Dakotans who participate in #SNAP are still waiting to see what will happen this week as the state Department of Social Services has indicated that it is waiting to see if Congress ends the #shutdown. Meanwhile families are told to wait "until later" in the week.
The SD Department of Social Services says it began preparations over the weekend to issue partial #SNAP food assistance benefits, but the department is also keeping open the possibility that it could pay full benefits. In either case, benefits won’t come until “later this week.”
Uncertainty still reigns as South Dakota’s monthly SNAP payment day arrives • South Dakota Searchlight
The South Dakota Department of Social Services says it began preparations over the weekend to issue partial food assistance benefits.
buff.ly
November 11, 2025 at 4:01 PM
The state Department of Social Services is waiting to see if the federal government shutdown ends. #SNAP #hunger
We have an update on SNAP benefits that tens of thousands of South Dakotans were hoping would be issued Monday.
SNAP benefits not available for South Dakotans until “later this week”
The South Dakota Department of Social Services is now saying SNAP benefits won’t be available until quote, “later this week.”
www.dakotanewsnow.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:58 PM
The best update on the #SNAP situation is that people are not getting their benefits from anywhere - not the feds, not the state. Confusion abounds; folks go hungry southdakotasearchlight.com/briefs/after... #hunger
After US Supreme Court decision, South Dakota pauses plan to pay full SNAP benefits • South Dakota Searchlight
One day after saying it would pay full SNAP benefits on time, the South Dakota Department of Social Services said it's pausing that plan.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:06 PM
The best update on the #SNAP situation is that people are not getting their benefits from anywhere - not the feds, not the state. Confusion abounds; folks go hungry southdakotasearchlight.com/briefs/after... #hunger
Chaos created by #tariffs has not only cratered markets but also raised the cost of inputs. It's a lose-lose situation for #farmers & #rural communities
Farmers face shaky markets, not knowing when or to what extent other countries might retaliate with their own tariffs. Additionally, the trade war has raised the costs of farming, with higher prices for inputs like pesticides, fertilizers, and machinery.
Farmers Struggle With Tariffs, Despite China Deal to Buy US Soybeans
While the Supreme Court considers the legality of Trump’s tariffs, the economy in farm country is faltering.
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Good new for #SouthDakota communities - Summit has announced a new route for its proposed #CO2pipeline that avoids SD. We still stand with our neighbors in Iowa & Nebraska that continue to fight this news.bloomberglaw.com/environment-... #CCS #southdakotaisnotforsale
Carbon Pipeline Developer Wants New Start, Locals Keep Fighting
The company behind a proposed 2,500-mile carbon dioxide pipeline spanning the Midwest is refreshing its bid to win over landowners and see the long-delayed project over the finish line, even as proper...
news.bloomberglaw.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Good new for #SouthDakota communities - Summit has announced a new route for its proposed #CO2pipeline that avoids SD. We still stand with our neighbors in Iowa & Nebraska that continue to fight this news.bloomberglaw.com/environment-... #CCS #southdakotaisnotforsale
More #SNAP confusion. If you're having a hard time following this continuing story, so is everyone else. Fund partial, fund total, take it all back, fund partial? This is not how government is supposed to function. #hunger
The latest memo from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service said states should fund 65% of benefits for users of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or #SNAP, often called food stamps.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/EHlAJPV
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/EHlAJPV
States told by Trump administration to 'undo' full SNAP benefits paid for November • South Dakota Searchlight
A Saturday memo from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service said states should fund 65% of benefits.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:47 PM