2024 was a wild ride for many in the region, from weathering the economic downturns and lower farm profits to changing and diversifying operations and battling Mother Nature through different disasters.

Some producers worked to diversify and increase farm profits by simply trying new things. A few chose to skip traditional soybean crops for canola to open up new markets for the crop while using fewer inputs. Another opened a farm and ranch supply store to build income streams and room for all on their family operation.

Concerns about who’s buying land came around again this year, with China, Russia or big billionaires bringing the most concern for local farmers. Max Steffes, Dakota Farmer columnist and director of real estate at Steffes Group, brought his expert insights and outlooks for land sales, values and auctions to readers.

Finally, farmers and ranchers from across the region worked to do what they do best: produce and raise high-quality commodities while working to make the land better off than they started.

Check out some of the favorite reader stories from 2024 in the slideshow.