Though there are many amazing towns/cities in South Dakota that anyone would have been lucky to grow up in, there’s nothing quite like the South Dakota countryside. While it is a false stereotype that ALL South Dakotans grew up on farms, the truth is that a handful of us did spend our childhoods running through corn fields, riding the combine with dad, or sprinting to the chicken coop each morning to see if the hen laid an egg. If you’re a South Dakota farm kid, then you probably did most of these things (and many more) growing up.

1. Spent your summer days playing hide and seek in the corn fields.

As long as you were careful to not let the corn husks scratch your hands, running through the corns fields was a spectacular way to burn some energy.

2. Helped with moving the cattle from pasture to pasture.

Sometimes it was hard work, but really you just loved being a part of it all.

3. Went out in the morning to gather the hens’ eggs.

And, of course, spent time saying good morning to the chickens.

5. Learned all there is to know about raising and taking care of animals through your family's example and through participating in 4-H.

You probably also learned that animals can be the greatest companions of them all.

6. Had an absolute blast jumping from hay bale to bay bale.

With the occasional racing matches (as well as the occasional falling).

7. Knew how to operate machinery at an early age.

Let’s just say that farm kids in South Dakota receive their driving lessons early.

8. Woke up excited on the days you got to go combine with dad.

Watching out the front window as the corn head pulled in the corn stalks was mesmerizing.

9. Accidentally got shocked by an electric fence.

We’ve all been there, and most of us have tried to trick our cousins into making the same mistake.

10. Found newborn kittens in the barn and gave each one a name.

No farm is complete without farm cats!

11. Woke up early to help with chores without even complaining.

Sure, there were probably many days when it was cold outside or you wished you could just sleep in, but helping out on the farm was a way of life. When it comes down to it, You wouldn’t have traded it for the world.

Are you a South Dakota farm kid? What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comment section below!