Of all the many industries in South Dakota, agriculture is number one. Our state has a rich history of farming and ranching, and it's ingrained deeply in our identity. We're proud of our farming roots, and here are just a few reasons why.

1. South Dakota's farms and ranches are vast, beautiful spaces.

There's nothing more inspiring than sunrise on the farm.

2. Agriculture contributes around $21 billion to our economy every year.

Every producer in South Dakota created enough food to feed 156 people every year.

3. In 2016, South Dakota ranchers raised 1,664,000 head of beef cattle.

That's a lot of steaks and burgers!

4. Hardworking farmers cultivated and harvested 3,100,000 acres or hay and alfalfa.

It takes a lot of hay and alfalfa to feed all those cattle.

5. Corn is the crop that brings in the most money to the state — over $2.5 billion in 2016.

To be exact, $2,642,976,000. No wonder we have an entire palace dedicated to corn!

6. South Dakota farmers also grow wheat, sorghum, oats, millet, flaxseed, and more.

Those silos fill up to the brim every harvest season.

7. We even harvested 540,000 acres of sunflowers.

Most of the sunflowers grown in South Dakota produce seeds used for sunflower oil and birdseed — they're not the kind of sunflower seeds that you eat.

8. Agriculture is more than just a means to earn money here — it's a way of life.

9. Farming is a proud family tradition here. 98 percent of farms in South Dakota are family-owned.

With nearly 32,000 farms in the state, that's a lot of family-owned acreage.

10. More than 2,500 South Dakota farms have been family-owned and operated for more than 100 years.

Technology has changed throughout the years, and our previous generations have kept abreast of the newest techniques and equipment to keep our agricultural heritage alive and well.

11. Generations of South Dakota families have farmed and ranched over the decades.

Now that's a family reunion!

12. Those with wisdom and experience pass on knowledge to their children and grandchildren...

...and kids grow up learning this way of life.

Climbing trees and swinging on rope swings is a much better way to spend your childhood than watching tv and playing video games.

13. Who needs huge cities and tall skyscrapers when our heritage is rooted in this proud tradition?

Can you imagine if our farms and ranches were covered with concrete and shopping malls?

Does your family have a farming/ranching history? We'd love to hear your family stories — share them with us in the comments!