From weeknight dinners to school lunches, South Dakota families count on meat and dairy as everyday staples. Behind every gallon of milk and every slice of meat is a caring farmer committed to producing food that is safe, affordable and nutritious.
Food safety doesn’t start at the grocery store, it begins on the farm with daily decisions centered on animal health, comfort and responsible care. South Dakota farmers focus on providing livestock balanced nutrition, clean water, comfortable housing and routine veterinary care to help animals thrive.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a comprehensive, coordinated, integrated surveillance system is the foundation for animal health, public health, food safety and environmental health. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) works with a vast network of partners to carry out surveillance activities in the United States. Together, they work to protect animal health, national economic viability and the food supply.
Healthy animals are the foundation of a safe and reliable meat protein supply, and our South Dakota farmers take that responsibility seriously.