Farm Facts, Population Update, Report Number 6

What\u27s happening to our farms in South Dakota? Turn to the Census of Agriculture, conducted every 5 years by the United States Bureau of the Census, to find part of the answer. Begun in 1920, this census has grown and changed over the years to provide its present broad coverage of farm facts. From 1978 data* and earlier censuses, here is a summary of the basic characteristics and trends for South Dakota farms and farm operators. SOUTH DAKOTA FARMS The 1978 census counted 39,665 farms in South Dakota. This is 3,160 (7.4%) fewer than shown in the 1974 census.** Table 3.