History of Dakota Farmer Magazine
The history of Dakota Farmer magazine stretches back nearly 145 years, predating the statehood of North and South Dakota. During this period, known as the "Dakota boom" from 1870 to 1880, the region experienced a rapid expansion of farms. Concurrently, publications like Dakota Farmer emerged, offering practical advice to farmers.
Early Years
Dakota Farmer was founded by James Bayne in 1881 in southern Dakota Territory. Within the year, it moved to Huron under Augustine Davis, and by 1885, William Bushnell became its sole proprietor and editor. The magazine relocated again in 1893 to Aberdeen, S.D., where it began sharing insights on agriculture development, improved practices, and farm organizations.
Archives and Special Collections
The South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections has documented much of the magazine's history since its inception, housing many issues of Dakota Farmer.
Former Editors and Their Memories
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Myron Just (1965-1969): Graduating from North Dakota State University with a degree in agriculture economics, Myron Just joined Dakota Farmer as an associate editor under Rollie Henkel and Larry Whiting. He recalls a fulfilling experience, traveling and contributing as a corresponding editor while returning to his farm in Berlin, N.D.. "Agriculture was very different back then, and I was a farmer myself for 50 years," he noted. "The industry was changing, with a growing interest in conservation."
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Charlie Henry (1970-1972, 1974-1975): Charlie Henry, from Aberdeen, S.D., had two stints as editor. He emphasized the unique nature of state farm books during that era, carrying extensive Sears advertising. "We covered rural healthcare, a topic no one else touched," he said. Beyond production agriculture, Henry and his team explored various aspects of rural life, including travel pieces on local communities' interests.