South Dakota Approves $835K Reinvestment Payment for Agropur Cheese Plant Expansion

The state's economic development board granted the payment to the Lake Norden facility as part of a program to spur business growth.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:07am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a large block of artisanal cheese, a cheese knife, and a few small wheels of cheese arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic seamless background, conceptually representing the quality and craftsmanship of South Dakota's cheese industry.A reinvestment payment from the state will help fuel further growth and innovation in South Dakota's thriving cheese manufacturing sector.Pierre Today

The South Dakota Board of Economic Development has approved a reinvestment payment of over $835,000 for Agropur, one of the state's major cheese producers. The payment represents half the state sales and use tax that Agropur paid on eligible costs for expanding its cheese plant in Lake Norden. The state established the reinvestment program in 2013 to incentivize business growth and investment.

Why it matters

The reinvestment payment is part of South Dakota's efforts to support its important dairy and cheese manufacturing industries, which are vital to the state's economy. The program aims to encourage companies like Agropur to invest in expanding their operations and creating more jobs within the state.

The details

Agropur, a cooperative dairy company, will receive the $835,000 reinvestment payment from the state's economic development board. This amount equals half of the state sales and use tax the company paid on eligible costs for its latest expansion project at the Lake Norden cheese plant. The state legislature established the reinvestment program in 2013, and the Governor's Office of Economic Development oversees its operations.

  • The South Dakota Board of Economic Development made the decision on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
  • The state legislature established the reinvestment program in 2013.

The players

Agropur

A cooperative dairy company and one of South Dakota's major cheese producers.

South Dakota Board of Economic Development

The state board that approved the reinvestment payment for Agropur's cheese plant expansion.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

The state agency that oversees the operation of South Dakota's reinvestment program.

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The takeaway

The reinvestment payment to Agropur demonstrates South Dakota's commitment to supporting its vital dairy and cheese manufacturing industries through targeted economic development programs. This investment is expected to spur further growth and expansion within the state's food processing sector.