Dakota Rural Action
@dakotarural.bsky.social
We build community power in promoting & protecting natural resources & resilient food & energy systems for future generations in South Dakota. ORGANIZE!
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www.dakotarural.org
Likes & reposts are not endorsements.
www.dakotarural.org
Short answer: Yes.
More details: Electricity prices increased 267% over 5 years for energy customers who live near newly constructed data centers.
The report said that wholesale prices have doubled since 2020, mainly in areas near data center hot spots.
More details: Electricity prices increased 267% over 5 years for energy customers who live near newly constructed data centers.
The report said that wholesale prices have doubled since 2020, mainly in areas near data center hot spots.
Do data centers lead to higher energy prices in the region? The latest fact brief:
Fact brief: Can data centers lead to higher energy prices?
A fact brief that refutes or confirms a claim with supporting information and additional evidence and context.
buff.ly
November 13, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Short answer: Yes.
More details: Electricity prices increased 267% over 5 years for energy customers who live near newly constructed data centers.
The report said that wholesale prices have doubled since 2020, mainly in areas near data center hot spots.
More details: Electricity prices increased 267% over 5 years for energy customers who live near newly constructed data centers.
The report said that wholesale prices have doubled since 2020, mainly in areas near data center hot spots.
Climate policy from an extractive multinational corporation who manipulates markets for profit? What's that old saying about foxes and chicken coops? #climate #eatlocal #USAbeef
Critics say the presence of JBS and other food companies at #COP30 could influence important negotiations around methane emissions from agriculture and deforestation.
At COP30, Brazilian Meat Giant JBS Recommends Climate Policy
The world's biggest meat company, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, is leading food-company efforts in global climate talks.
buff.ly
November 13, 2025 at 3:28 PM
South Dakota #SNAP participants will get partial benefits hopefully today as DSS said they would load them overnight, following guidance from USDA on Saturday amid the flurry of actions & court filings. Full benefits will not be released until after the federal shutdown ends. #hunger
Delayed #SNAP food assistance benefits will be loaded onto payment cards overnight, South Dakota officials said Tuesday, but recipients will receive only a portion of their usual benefits. The state hopes to load the rest later, after the federal government #shutdown ends. buff.ly/D2cdc9R
State loads partial benefits onto food assistance cards and plans to add the rest later • South Dakota Searchlight
Delayed food assistance benefits will be loaded onto recipients' payment cards Tuesday night, South Dakota officials said Tuesday, but recipients will receive only a portion of their usual benefits.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Reposted by Dakota Rural Action
New from me: I spoke to two scientists who originally helped spread the use of carbon capture. They now say it's being misused. Here's why (gift link):
The Scientists Who Popularized Carbon Capture Have a Warning About It
Many countries are relying on it to meet their climate goals, but it might hurt more than help, they say.
www.bloomberg.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:23 AM
New from me: I spoke to two scientists who originally helped spread the use of carbon capture. They now say it's being misused. Here's why (gift link):
There are many questions regarding how this #rural health fund will benefit our small hospitals & #healthare centers. Cuts to #Medicaid will greatly impact these providers & if no more than 15% of the funds can be used to pay providers for patient care, rural providers may still struggle.
Health care workers flocked to town halls or online portals during the seven weeks state leaders had to craft and submit their applications for the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, reports @kffhealthnews.org.
Concerns over fairness, access rise as states compete for slice of $50 billion rural health fund • South Dakota Searchlight
Health care workers flocked to town halls or online portals during the seven weeks state leaders had to craft and submit their applications for the Rural Health Transformation Program.
buff.ly
November 11, 2025 at 4:34 PM
There are many questions regarding how this #rural health fund will benefit our small hospitals & #healthare centers. Cuts to #Medicaid will greatly impact these providers & if no more than 15% of the funds can be used to pay providers for patient care, rural providers may still struggle.
South Dakotans who participate in #SNAP are still waiting to see what will happen this week as the state Department of Social Services has indicated that it is waiting to see if Congress ends the #shutdown. Meanwhile families are told to wait "until later" in the week.
The SD Department of Social Services says it began preparations over the weekend to issue partial #SNAP food assistance benefits, but the department is also keeping open the possibility that it could pay full benefits. In either case, benefits won’t come until “later this week.”
Uncertainty still reigns as South Dakota’s monthly SNAP payment day arrives • South Dakota Searchlight
The South Dakota Department of Social Services says it began preparations over the weekend to issue partial food assistance benefits.
buff.ly
November 11, 2025 at 4:01 PM
The state Department of Social Services is waiting to see if the federal government shutdown ends. #SNAP #hunger
We have an update on SNAP benefits that tens of thousands of South Dakotans were hoping would be issued Monday.
SNAP benefits not available for South Dakotans until “later this week”
The South Dakota Department of Social Services is now saying SNAP benefits won’t be available until quote, “later this week.”
www.dakotanewsnow.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:58 PM
The best update on the #SNAP situation is that people are not getting their benefits from anywhere - not the feds, not the state. Confusion abounds; folks go hungry southdakotasearchlight.com/briefs/after... #hunger
After US Supreme Court decision, South Dakota pauses plan to pay full SNAP benefits • South Dakota Searchlight
One day after saying it would pay full SNAP benefits on time, the South Dakota Department of Social Services said it's pausing that plan.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:06 PM
The best update on the #SNAP situation is that people are not getting their benefits from anywhere - not the feds, not the state. Confusion abounds; folks go hungry southdakotasearchlight.com/briefs/after... #hunger
Chaos created by #tariffs has not only cratered markets but also raised the cost of inputs. It's a lose-lose situation for #farmers & #rural communities
Farmers face shaky markets, not knowing when or to what extent other countries might retaliate with their own tariffs. Additionally, the trade war has raised the costs of farming, with higher prices for inputs like pesticides, fertilizers, and machinery.
Farmers Struggle With Tariffs, Despite China Deal to Buy US Soybeans
While the Supreme Court considers the legality of Trump’s tariffs, the economy in farm country is faltering.
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Good new for #SouthDakota communities - Summit has announced a new route for its proposed #CO2pipeline that avoids SD. We still stand with our neighbors in Iowa & Nebraska that continue to fight this news.bloomberglaw.com/environment-... #CCS #southdakotaisnotforsale
Carbon Pipeline Developer Wants New Start, Locals Keep Fighting
The company behind a proposed 2,500-mile carbon dioxide pipeline spanning the Midwest is refreshing its bid to win over landowners and see the long-delayed project over the finish line, even as proper...
news.bloomberglaw.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Good new for #SouthDakota communities - Summit has announced a new route for its proposed #CO2pipeline that avoids SD. We still stand with our neighbors in Iowa & Nebraska that continue to fight this news.bloomberglaw.com/environment-... #CCS #southdakotaisnotforsale
More #SNAP confusion. If you're having a hard time following this continuing story, so is everyone else. Fund partial, fund total, take it all back, fund partial? This is not how government is supposed to function. #hunger
The latest memo from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service said states should fund 65% of benefits for users of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or #SNAP, often called food stamps.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/EHlAJPV
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/EHlAJPV
States told by Trump administration to 'undo' full SNAP benefits paid for November • South Dakota Searchlight
A Saturday memo from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service said states should fund 65% of benefits.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:47 PM
DRA has long advocated that #SouthDakota should take care of her people. We should prioritize feeding people, period. We, the State, has money in reserves to fill this gap. southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/11/03/s... #SNAP #hunger
South Dakota won’t tap reserve funds to fill federal food assistance gap, governor says • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota’s governor said he does not support using state money to fill a funding gap in a food assistance program.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:20 PM
DRA has long advocated that #SouthDakota should take care of her people. We should prioritize feeding people, period. We, the State, has money in reserves to fill this gap. southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/11/03/s... #SNAP #hunger
Reposted by Dakota Rural Action
From our statement on SNAP:
November 6, 2025 at 11:00 PM
From our statement on SNAP:
While the federal government shutdown threatens #SNAP food assistance benefits, three South Dakota counties have some of the highest percentages of federal food assistance participation in the country.
Three of the nation’s most SNAP-dependent counties are in South Dakota • South Dakota Searchlight
Three South Dakota counties have some of the highest percentages of federal food assistance participation in the country.
buff.ly
November 7, 2025 at 3:24 PM
South Dakota has the funds to help out with #SNAP during the #shutdown. We have $492 million in our reserve funds & also the Future Fund. The Governor controls the Future Fund. Remember that Noem spent $13 million on the gun range last year. What are our priorities?
South Dakota’s governor said he does not support using state money to fill a funding gap in the #SNAP food assistance program during the federal government shutdown, and said he was unaware of a funding request that a hunger relief organization submitted to the Legislature. buff.ly/mxa0sF4
South Dakota won’t tap reserve funds to fill federal food assistance gap, governor says • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota’s governor said he does not support using state money to fill a funding gap in a food assistance program.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Head Start was started by President Lyndon Johnson in the 1960s. "Schultz said the federal government had never previously failed to fund her program by the beginning of the Nov. 1 grant cycle." #rural #southdakota #headstart
Funding for a #HeadStart program in South Dakota is delayed because of the federal government #shutdown, forcing the program to obtain its own temporary funding and consider a potential closure next month. buff.ly/cTeYghv
Northeast SD Head Start considers temporary closure as it awaits funding delayed by shutdown • South Dakota Searchlight
Funding for a Head Start program in South Dakota is delayed because of the federal government shutdown, forcing difficult decisions.
buff.ly
November 6, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Head Start was started by President Lyndon Johnson in the 1960s. "Schultz said the federal government had never previously failed to fund her program by the beginning of the Nov. 1 grant cycle." #rural #southdakota #headstart
The #tariffs make it impossible for #farmers & #ranchers to plan for the future. As for any "advice" for #soybean farmers to pivot to raising cattle - that's from folks who are clueless about what a shift like that entails. Plus, who knows what the administration will wreck next?
Farmers face shaky markets, not knowing when or to what extent other countries might retaliate with their own tariffs on U.S. goods. Meanwhile, the trade war has raised the overall cost of farming. buff.ly/mvbPhNT
November 5, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Reposted by Dakota Rural Action
Nonprofits and mutual aid groups across the country are working to help feed families no longer receiving SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown. Read the full list of resources aimed at helping SNAP recipients navigate lapses in federal funding. ⬇️
Amid SNAP Turmoil, These Options Can Help Fill the Food Gap
It’s not clear when the Trump administration will release SNAP payments. These alternatives offer food support in the meantime.
buff.ly
November 5, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Nonprofits and mutual aid groups across the country are working to help feed families no longer receiving SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown. Read the full list of resources aimed at helping SNAP recipients navigate lapses in federal funding. ⬇️
Between 2012 and 2022, the number of #SouthDakota #farms decreased by more than 3,600, while the average farm size increased. Ag economists said it underscores the growing presence of corporate-owned industrial-style farms #familyfarms #farmland app.publicnewsservice.org/story/as-sma...?
As smaller farms disappear, SD organizers help with transition plans
Rural-centric organizations remain worried about the loss of family farms and how it changes a town's identity, and they hope South Dakota farmers have more conversations about a transition plan.Betwe...
app.publicnewsservice.org
November 4, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Between 2012 and 2022, the number of #SouthDakota #farms decreased by more than 3,600, while the average farm size increased. Ag economists said it underscores the growing presence of corporate-owned industrial-style farms #familyfarms #farmland app.publicnewsservice.org/story/as-sma...?
There's a lot to unpack in this article. #SouthDakota should be taking care of its people. Also, how has the legislative budget committee not informed the Governor of Feeding South Dakota's funding request? He's literally working on his budget now. That is incredibly disappointing. #hunger #SNAP
South Dakota’s governor said he does not support using state money to fill a funding gap in the #SNAP food assistance program during the federal government shutdown, and said he was unaware of a funding request that a hunger relief organization submitted to the Legislature. buff.ly/mxa0sF4
South Dakota won’t tap reserve funds to fill federal food assistance gap, governor says • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota’s governor said he does not support using state money to fill a funding gap in a food assistance program.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:53 PM
There's a lot to unpack in this article. #SouthDakota should be taking care of its people. Also, how has the legislative budget committee not informed the Governor of Feeding South Dakota's funding request? He's literally working on his budget now. That is incredibly disappointing. #hunger #SNAP
Hopefully this can be processed quickly so these funds reach folks in a timely fashion. Days make a big difference when you're talking about meals for your family. #hunger #SNAP
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will pay for a portion of November benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or #SNAP, the department said in a brief to a federal court in Rhode Island.
Via @statesnewsroom.com buff.ly/5KHgd2d
Via @statesnewsroom.com buff.ly/5KHgd2d
Trump administration to pay partial November SNAP benefits by Wednesday • South Dakota Searchlight
The four-page report from the USDA answered a judge's order that President Donald Trump’s administration pay at least a portion of benefits
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:50 PM
“It is never too early to start thinking about your farm transition." - Karen Stettler with the Land Stewardship Project. Register now for this course! www.dakotarural.org/land-transit... #familyfarming #farmers #farmland #southdakota
Land Transition Planning Course Launches Jan. 31 - Dakota Rural Action
Collaboration with the Land Stewardship Project, Rural Revival & Dakota Rural Action Are you a farmer or landowner thinking about the next steps for your farm? Or do you know someone who is? For the ...
www.dakotarural.org
November 3, 2025 at 5:43 PM
“It is never too early to start thinking about your farm transition." - Karen Stettler with the Land Stewardship Project. Register now for this course! www.dakotarural.org/land-transit... #familyfarming #farmers #farmland #southdakota
Though this story is focused on Massachusetts, it's relevant for vulnerable populations around the US. With both food & energy assistance in limbo, people are already strained just as winter is beginning. #SNAP #LIHEAP #hunger
Winter’s coming, and thousands of families are stuck waiting for heating help because of the government shutdown.
Community action agencies in MA are stepping up, but emergency funds are tight and demand is rising.
This isn’t just a local issue—it’s a national warning.
#FuelAssistance #LIHEAP
Community action agencies in MA are stepping up, but emergency funds are tight and demand is rising.
This isn’t just a local issue—it’s a national warning.
#FuelAssistance #LIHEAP
MA families face double whammy of delayed heating and food aid
Public News Service (PNS) is a member-supported news service that advocates journalism in the public interest. PNS's network of state-based news services distribute high quality public interest news…
app.publicnewsservice.org
November 3, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Reposted by Dakota Rural Action
A federal judge issued a written order saying there is “no question” that U.S. Department of Agriculture contingency funds must be used to provide #SNAP food assistance for 42 million Americans during the government #shutdown.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/llERvLm
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/llERvLm
Trump administration must restart SNAP benefits by Wednesday, judge rules • South Dakota Searchlight
A federal judge issued a written order saying there is “no question” that contingency funds must be used to provide food assistance.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 1, 2025 at 10:04 PM
A federal judge issued a written order saying there is “no question” that U.S. Department of Agriculture contingency funds must be used to provide #SNAP food assistance for 42 million Americans during the government #shutdown.
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/llERvLm
Via @statesnewsroom.com
buff.ly/llERvLm
12 million tons of #soybeans from US soybean #farmers is not enough to repair the broken market. China has been buying soybeans all along - just not from us. During the trade war, they have been buying soybeans from Brazil & Argentina.
Announcements where there are promises to purchase are always dubious, particularly if China still has tariffs in place that make Brazil soy cheaper. Even if China meets 25 million tons of soy annually import promise, that's less than last year - www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Bessent Says China to Buy 12 Million Tons of Soybeans This Year
China has agreed to buy 12 million metric tons of soybeans this year, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, providing some relief to US farmers who have anxiously awaited the resumption of exports to...
www.bloomberg.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:18 PM