This year's wheat crop in South Dakota could be the smallest in nearly four decades.

The federal Agriculture Department expects South Dakota farmers to plant 2.28 million acres of winter wheat and spring wheat. That would be the lowest amount since 1979.

It follows the national trend, and there are several factors including farm program provisions and better prices for other crops.

Miller, South Dakota farm owner Gary Wagner says corn currently provides a better return for farmers, and the federally backed crop insurance program provides a better safety net for corn.

The Agriculture Department projects South Dakota corn acres at 5.7 million, up 6 percent from 2015. That also follows the national trend.


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