SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be in South Dakota Wednesday and Thursday.
Kathleen Merrigan will visit South Dakota State University in Brookings on Wednesday to announce new USDA research grants to combat U.S. and global hunger, promote rural business development and highlight the economic importance of local and regional food systems.
Merrigan on Thursday will be in Lower Brule to visit Lakota Foods, a Native American owned business that produces and markets popcorn. She also plans to discuss USDA's efforts to create jobs in rural South Dakota.
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