“One of the most important things for people to understand is that family farms are still out here doing what we've always done—taking care of our animals, looking after our land, and working hard to provide food for people,” said farmer Chad Stoterau . Stoterau’s farm by Sherman started as a homestead in 1878 by his great-great- grandfather, Albert Semmen . As it was passed down through generations, things changed from being a farrow-to-finish operation to Stoterau building hog barns in 2020 post college and after his football career with the Sioux Falls Storm . “We currently have one 1,200-head piglet nursery and two 1,200-head finishing barns,” said Stoterau. “I'm also in the process of building an additional 2,400-head finishing barn.” Along with raising pigs, the farm has a small corn and soybean operation. Stoterau says the combination of livestock and row crops works well, creating a collaborative synergy. He’s also involved with the South Dakota Pork Producers Council , which he says provides an opportunity to give back and support the industry of his family's livelihood. “For our family, farming is more than a job—it’s a way of life,” revealed Stoterau. Learn more about the pig farmer and grower. What’s your favorite thing about what you do? My favorite thing about farming is being able to feed the world. There's a lot of pride in knowing the work we do every day helps provide food for families here in South Dakota and around the world. What does having a strong processing partner like Smithfield Foods in Sioux Falls mean for the future of your farm? It’s huge for us. My dad and I haul our pigs into Sioux Falls to Smithfield , so having a strong processing partner close to home provides a lot of security for our family farm. It gives us confidence we can continue our way of life. It also makes me very optimistic that my sons will have the same opportunity I have been given. What’s your day-to-day look like? A typical day for me on the farm starts at 6 a.m. with pig chores. I spend about an hour working in the pig barns before coming back inside to help get the kids ready for daycare. I take them into daycare every morning, then come back home and finish chores, haul pigs to Smithfield, or tend to our crops. Are there any insights you’ve had during the farming process? Farmers want what's best for our land and our animals. We’re trying to do the best job we can every day, because we know we’re not just farming for ourselves. We’re trying to be sustainable and leave the farm in good shape for the next generation. Aside from farming, how do you spend your time? I like to spend my free time with my wife and kids. We enjoy being outside and going to parks. They will come along with me on [Polaris] RANGER rides to check the crops, or we'll go to Sioux Falls and ride on the bike trail. A lot of our family time revolves around being outdoors and enjoying the area we live in. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT SDPORK.ORG+
CHAD STOTERAU Written by Maddilynn Kallsen + Photos by Kayla Johnson 605 Profile
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