For 92 years, the Sioux Falls Stockyards stood alongside Smithfield Foods, formerly the John Morrell Company, as an economic engine in our city. Together, they helped shape our workforce and strengthen the livelihoods of area farmers and ranchers.

With today’s historic announcement that Smithfield will vacate its longtime downtown location, relocate to a site North of Sioux Falls thereby opening their downtown site to redevelopment, our mission feels more important than ever. The story of agriculture in Sioux Falls is not finished. It is evolving. By connecting people to agriculture through the lens of both our history and our future, we ensure its impact on our community remains strong for generations to come.

From our current museum space in the Horse Barn at Falls Park to our plans for Phase 2 construction and Woster Plaza, we remain committed to bridging the gap between consumers and producers while honoring our roots and embracing what comes next.

We applaud the leadership behind this decision. Public conversation about relocation has been ongoing, and as those in agriculture understand well, listening to your consumers is an essential part of the food chain. We look forward to seeing the innovation Smithfield brings to a new facility and how our industry continues to grow and adapt.

Agriculture has been at the heart of downtown Sioux Falls for more than a century, and the Stockyards Ag Experience is proud to carry that story forward.