Start Growing Industrial Hemp in South Dakota

Important 2027 law change: South Dakota's 2026 legislation schedules major changes to the state industrial hemp framework for January 1, 2027, including repeal of existing provisions. The current DANR webpage and forms may not describe the rules that will apply to a future planting season. Confirm the applicable licensing authority and rules with DANR before applying or spending money. Read official legislation ↗

STEP 1 · BEFORE YOU SPEND A DOLLAR

Find out whether your growing plan is feasible.

Start with the proposed growing location, your intended crop (fiber or grain), the current production rules, and who will buy your harvest. Licensing is only one part of a workable plan.

First agency to contact

South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR)
Industrial Hemp Program

(605) 773-4432 Official program and forms ↗Contact and program page checked October 10, 2026. Confirm details directly.

YOUR LOCATION

Where in South Dakota will you grow?

County and municipal land-use requirements may depend on the parcel and whether it is inside city limits. We have not yet verified individual county ordinances. Enter a county to personalize your planning checklist—not to receive a zoning approval.

STATE REQUIREMENTS · CURRENT PROGRAM PAGE

What South Dakota currently publishes

Apply for a grower license

DANR currently describes a grower application, nonrefundable application fee, background checks for specified parties, and a license fee after approval. Confirm the process for your intended crop year.

DANR grower instructions ↗

Verify land and local rules

Current SDCL 38-35-3 describes a minimum growing area/plant count and municipal verification for growing inside incorporated municipalities. This provision is scheduled for repeal January 1, 2027.

Read SDCL 38-35-3 ↗

Report planting details

Under DANR's published program instructions, growers file seed variety and lot information within 30 days of planting, followed by planting verification. Confirm current forms and timing with the agency.

Official planting guidance ↗

Arrange pre-harvest sampling

DANR's current guidance describes sampling within 30 days before harvest, fees per lot, and restrictions on moving a lot before compliant laboratory results. Confirm what applies to your planting year.

Inspection and testing ↗

PUBLISHED FEES · SUBJECT TO CHANGE

What might the state process cost?

Grower application$50

Grower license, after approval$500

Pre-harvest inspection and sampling$250 / lot

Illustrative state fees for one lot*$800

*Illustrative arithmetic only: $50 + $500 + $250. Excludes background checks, fingerprinting, land, seed, lab retesting, remediation, and other costs. DANR's fee schedule and guidance may change, especially for 2027 onward. Do not treat this as a final quote.

DANR published fee schedule (PDF) ↗

YOUR FIRST ACTIONS

Use this checklist before planting

Checkmarks are temporary and stay only on this page. They do not verify legal compliance.

Choose whether you intend to grow fiber or grain and identify a potential buyer. Contact DANR to confirm rules, fees, and licensing authority for the intended planting year, particularly 2027. Confirm the parcel's county, city limits, zoning, and land-use restrictions with the appropriate local office. Read the official grower application guidance and check background-check requirements. Ask DANR about current seed, acreage/plant minimums, lot registration, and FSA reporting requirements. Plan for planting reports, inspections, sampling, testing, harvest timing, and recordkeeping. Only commit funds after confirming the applicable rules and your route to market.

OFFICIAL SOURCES

Go directly to the agencies and laws

DANR — Industrial Hemp Program ↗DANR — Applications and forms ↗South Dakota Codified Law, Chapter 38-35 ↗2026 Senate Bill 39 — January 2027 changes ↗USDA — Hemp Production Program ↗

Source review: October 10, 2026. This is the date HempHQ reviewed the linked source information, not a claim that an agency updated its guidance that day. County requirements have not been verified.

Not legal advice or licensing approval. HempHQ explains public information for planning purposes. Laws, agency instructions, and local rules can change. Check directly with DANR, USDA where applicable, and local authorities before acting. This pilot is focused on industrial fiber and grain hemp, not cannabinoid products.

← Back to South Dakota on the state map

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