Smithfield: A Quadruple Win for South Dakota

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Smithfield: A Quadruple Win for South Dakota

By: Gov. Larry Rhoden

February 20, 2026

South Dakota is Open for Opportunity, and we had a chance to prove that in a big way recently! Smithfield announced plans to build a new, state-of-the-art processing facility on the outskirts of Sioux Falls. This will be the largest business investment in South Dakota's history, and it represents confidence in our people, our producers, and our future.

My administration has worked closely with local leaders for the past year to help make this opportunity happen. I've been calling this announcement a "quadruple win," because it truly is a win in four different ways.

First, it's a win for agriculture.

Ag is king in South Dakota. When agriculture succeeds, our entire economy succeeds. South Dakota already has the largest share of producer-owned pork production of any state - by far. This new facility will expand processing capacity and strengthen market opportunities for pork producers across our state and region. That means more demand for livestock raised by South Dakota farmers and ranchers. And that will lead to more economic activity in our rural communities.

Second, it's a win for Sioux Falls.

Smithfield's decision to relocate from downtown opens the door to generational change along the eastern side of the riverfront. If you had told me just a year ago that we would have both the prison project moving forward and a new Smithfield facility in the works, I would have been pretty surprised, but here we are! This transition creates tremendous opportunity for redevelopment and growth in the heart of our largest city. The area that will become available for redevelopment is nearly as large as the current downtown!

Third, it's a win for the company.

Businesses choose where to invest carefully. They look for stability, common-sense regulations, and a competitive tax climate. South Dakota delivers on all three. We are the freest state in a nation founded on the principle of freedom, and Smithfield is choosing to do business is the greatest, freest state in America. After more than 100 years of first John Morrell, and now Smithfield, producing pork products in Sioux Falls, we are glad that the company saw the value of continuing to do business in South Dakota

Finally, this project is a win for the entire state.

Our state continues to build one of the strongest economies in America. We have the lowest unemployment rate in America, the second fastest growing GDP, and the third fastest growing incomes. Keep in mind - that's during a time of economic strength nationally! This announcement builds on that momentum and shows that we are not slowing down anytime soon.

In South Dakota, we don't settle for the way things are. We look for ways to grow, improve, and create opportunity for the next generation - and this new facility does exactly that. That's what it means to be Open for Opportunity. I was honored to be part of the celebration of this generational opportunity, but once again, we aren't going to settle. I'm going to get back to work on the next economic opportunity for South Dakota!

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