This South Dakota Farmer Merges Legacy and Diversification to Build a Resilient Business

Todd Hanten discusses shifting from dairy to a feedlot, the secret to retaining employees for decades, and how smart logistics are taking his family’s 130-year-old farm into the future in this episode of the 15 Minutes With a Farmer podcast.

Meet Todd Hanten

Fourth-generation South Dakota farmer Todd Hanten said diversication — including producing corn, soybeans, and spring wheat, and running a cattle feedlot — is a key to his farm’s success. In this episode, he reflected on his decision to exit the dairy industry after his kids left for college and how he restructured the farm to create a more manageable and profitable future that will allow his children back full time if they wish.

Hanten still farms and lives on the original 160-acre homestead claimed by his great-grandfather in 1893, near Goodwin, in the northeast part of the state. The deed signed by Grover Cleveland hangs above his fireplace. While family legacy is important to Hanten, he credited his relationships with his wife, children, long-time employees, and community for helping keep the operation strong.

Serving the agriculture industry via commodity groups is a tradition for the family. Once Hanten’s children were out of school and he got out of the dairy business, Hanten worked with state soybean groups before becoming an executive committee member for the United Soybean Board.

Episode Highlights

• Todd Hanten farms the same land homesteaded by his great-grandfather in 1893.
• He transitioned from dairy to a cattle feedlot operation in 2012 for better sustainability.
• Hanten hauls corn to the ethanol plant and brings back distillers grains for cattle feed.
• Employees that have been with the farm for more than 30 years are treated like family and treat the farm as their own.
• The team eats noon meals together every day to stay connected, a tradition started by Hanten’s mother.
• Hanten’s two children work off the farm, but if they choose to return, possible expansion may include a hog barn.
• Diversification allows flexibility during market shifts in corn, soybeans, or beef.
• Hanten serves on the executive committee of the United Soybean Board.

Links and Resources

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