Agriculture in SD... (Mitchell, Pierre, Miller: home, live in, budget)

[stotan88]

Hi all,

I'm currently writing a novel, and I'm hoping to have it takes place in a small town where agriculture is the predominant industry in that area. I am looking for that classic small town America feel, but I need agriculture to be a big part of the area in order for my story to work. I've looked at several central States but I've yet to find a location that I feel strongly enough about. When (if) I find this location I hope to travel there to gain more information about it, but seeing as I live in Canada, I want to make sure it's the "right" place before I travel all the way over there since my budget is slightly limited.

Any sort of information of attractive small towns in SD or any other state for that matter would be great! As well, if I could get some information on the type of agriculture that dominates the area that would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you for your time,
Dan Goldberg

[ElkHunter]

Most any of the small towns in the Eastern part of South Dakota, fit your description.

Each person that responds will give you their favorite. haha

But, basically, if you go to the center of the state, Pierre area, you'll find mostly cattle, with a few smaller crops. As you proceed East, you'll get into country that is a lot of crops, but cattle also. About a 50/50 mix. We're talking Holabird, Highmore, Rehights, Miller. Then when you go East of there, you'll run into more crops then cattle. The further East you go, the more crops, less cattle.

In the Easter half, but further South, you'll find more crops then cattle. Every place runs cattle, but you'll find there only few feeders, maybe a dairy herd, but the majority of their land dedicated to crops. Chamberlin, Mitchell.

Can't tell you much about the North Easter corner. Was through there, but when I was 10 or so. haha

[stotan88]

okay thats great! lots of information, I appreciate it
Does anyone know what kind of crops are common in the Eastern part of SD?
Thanks again!

[debey]

corn
soybeans
sunflowers
wheat..spring & winter
alfalfa/hay
sorgham

[debey]

SDSU Extension Crop Management

[cancan]

Not to steal SD's thunder but might have a look at Chestertown Maryland. Small historic town on the Chester River off the Chesapeake bay. its dominated by commerical fishing and farming. wheat corn soybeans.

The town is one of the prettiest little towns on the Delmarva (delaware, maryland, virginia's eastern shores)

Chestertown Maryland - Historical colonial town on the Chester River

Chestertown MD Government Home Page

[stotan88]

Originally Posted by cancan

Not to steal SD's thunder but might have a look at Chestertown Maryland. Small historic town on the Chester River off the Chesapeake bay. its dominated by commerical fishing and farming. wheat corn soybeans.

The town is one of the prettiest little towns on the Delmarva (delaware, maryland, virginia's eastern shores)

Chestertown Maryland - Historical colonial town on the Chester River

Chestertown MD Government Home Page

Sounds great, I'll definitely check it out Like I said, I'm not restricted to SD, but it was just my original bet for finding a place that I see in my mind for my novel.

And "Delmarva"...I've never heard that name before! But thats clever. Thanks again!

[MJ1986]

stotan, there are plenty of small towns in SD that you could use for your novel...the hard part is picking out one. What size of town are you looking at?

[stotan88]

Originally Posted by mjgustafson

stotan, there are plenty of small towns in SD that you could use for your novel...the hard part is picking out one. What size of town are you looking at?

ideally, i'm looking for a small town, probably no more than 1-2000 people, a place where the community is tight-nit and everyone knows everyone. hopefully it could be an attractive town, with some nice scenery around it and whatnot (mostly for description purpose). Basically a place that is quiet and not much is going on. and, like i said, it should be in an area where farming of crops or cattle is prominent.

i know it could be a lot to ask, but that's the kind of town in my mind let me knwo waht you think! and thanks to everyone for their help!

[ElkHunter]

Miller SD has about 1500. In three directions of town, are farms with crops. Corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, flax, etc. One side of town, to the North West, is a very large ranch that runs for miles. All cattle.

I hadn't been down there in 30 years but had to go for a funeral a couple years ago. Over half the people at the funeral called me by name.