South Dakota Officials Hold Forums on Livestock Production

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - The South Dakota Department of Agriculture will hold two dozen meetings across the state in the next three months to discuss the future of livestock production in the state.

State Agriculture Secretary Walt Bones says South Dakota has progressive entrepreneurs who understand the potential of the agri-business marketplace. He says the forums will discuss South Dakota's challenges and advantages in increasing the number of livestock produced in the state.

The forums are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. local time at livestock auction markets.

The first forums will be held Jan. 14 in Aberdeen, Jan. 15 in Mobridge, Jan. 21 in Fort Pierre, Jan. 22 in Herried, Jan. 23 in Martin and Jan. 24 in Philip.

Other meetings will be held in February and March.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Material may not be redistributed.