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South Dakota is a beautiful state in the Midwest, known for its rolling hills, prairies, and stunning landscapes.
Many people own land in South Dakota, but some individuals and companies own more than others.
This article will discuss the top 10 landowners in South Dakota.
Top Landowners In South Dakota
| Landowners | Total Acres |
|---|---|
| 1. The United States Government | 1,900,000 |
| 2. The state of South Dakota | 800,000 |
| 3. The Ted Turner Reserves | 150,000 |
| 4. The True Family | 125,000 |
| 5. The Fites Family | 100,000 |
| 6. The Lyman County School District | 95,000 |
| 7. The Wilbur-Ellis Company | 85,000 |
| 8. The Hutterian Brethren Church | 70,000 |
| 9. The Weller Family | 60,000 |
| 10. The Alkali Creek Ranch | 55,000 |
1. The United States Government
The federal government owns around 1.9 million acres of land in South Dakota, making it the largest landowner in the state.
The government utilizes this land for various purposes, such as managing national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.
2. The State of South Dakota
South Dakota is the second-largest landowner in the state, with around 800,000 acres of land.
Most of this land is used for wildlife management areas, state parks, and other conservation purposes.
3. The Ted Turner Reserves
Ted Turner, the founder of CNN, owns and manages around 150,000 acres of land in South Dakota through the Ted Turner Reserves.
His land serves the dual purpose of bison conservation and eco-tourism.
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4. The True Family
The True family owns around 125,000 acres of land in South Dakota.
They are involved in diverse industries, including ranching, agriculture, and oil and gas exploration.
5. The Fites Family
The Fites family owns around 100,000 acres of land in South Dakota.
They are involved in varied industries, including ranching, agriculture, and real estate development.
6. The Lyman County School District
The Lyman County School District owns around 95,000 acres of land in South Dakota, and they use most of this land for grazing and farming.
They generate revenue from the ground to fund the school district.
7. The Wilbur-Ellis Company
The Wilbur-Ellis Company owns around 85,000 acres of land in South Dakota.
They are involved in myriad industries, including agriculture, chemicals, and feed.
8. The Hutterian Brethren Church
The Hutterian Brethren Church owns around 70,000 acres of land in South Dakota.
They are involved in agriculture and operate several communal farms throughout the state.
9. The Weller Family
The Weller family owns around 60,000 acres of land in South Dakota.
They are involved in diverse industries, including ranching and real estate development.
10. The Alkali Creek Ranch
The Alkali Creek Ranch owns around 55,000 acres of land in South Dakota.
They are involved in ranching and are committed to sustainable land management practices.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these top 10 landowners in South Dakota own land that serves various purposes.