About the Program

The South Dakota Agricultural and Rural Leadership Program (SDARL) takes 28 individuals on an 18-month leadership journey. Participants emerge from the program prepared to lead their communities and the state, and make significant contributions to agriculture nationally and globally.

Through a series of 12 seminars, participants grow in their knowledge of the broad scope of agriculture and agribusiness in South Dakota, the nation, and the world. Ten seminars are three days in length and held at locations across South Dakota. One week is spent in Washington, D.C., to gain insights into policy and advocacy at the national level. The class also has a two-week international study seminar, examining the global nature of agriculture and the challenges of feeding the world.

There are no academic prerequisites to apply to the program. Men and women, aged 25 to 55, who are working in rural community development, farming, ranching, or an allied field (ag finance, inputs, biofuels, transportation, and others) with a sphere of influence in South Dakota are welcome to submit an application to join the program. The 28 seats that are available have broad representation across agricultural and rural disciplines, so the members learn about leadership together – and from each other. It is a leadership development experience like no other.

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SDARL

MEET THE STAFF

Louisiana Agriculture Facts

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Louisiana Agriculture Facts *

  • produces 25% of all seafood in our country? Louisiana is #1 in producing crawfish, shrimp, alligator and oysters.

  • Louisiana has many commodities. These are some of the top producing ones in the state.

    • Louisiana forestlands cover 48% of the state. That is 14 million acres. It is the #1 crop in Louisiana.

    • Soybeans: Did you know that Soybeans are used to make crayons? 1 acre can make 82,368 crayons!

    • Rice: Louisiana is the 3rd largest state to produce rice.

    • Sugarcane: Louisiana has harvested sugarcane for over 200 years. Sugarcane has 30 teaspoons of sugar & 6 teaspoons of molasses.

    • Cotton: The world uses cotton more than any other fiber. The invention of the cotton gin helped in the harvesting of the crop.

    • Sweet Potatoes: This crop dates back as far as the 1500’s but did become popular until after WW 1. The Beauregard variety was developed in 1987 for Louisiana’s unique soil and climate.

    • Louisiana’s state capital building is the tallest one in the USA.

    • The original La territory purchased in 1803 is now divided into 13 states.

    • Baton Rouge is the site of the only battle outside the 13 colonies during the Revolutionary War.

    • Louisiana has Parishes not Counties.

    • Louisiana is known as “the boot” due to the shape. It also looks like an L (geaux LSU)

    • New Orleans is 8 feet below sea level.

    • Conrad Rice Mill is the oldest owned rice mill in the country still being operated. It is located in New Iberia.

    • The Causeway bridge over Lake Ponchartrain is the longest continuous bridge over water.

    • The Brown Pelican is the state bird. The Magnolia is the state flower. The insect is a honey bee and the Catahoula leopard dog is the state dog.

Follow our Journey.

Facebook page link for South Dakota Agriculture leadership page.