Agriculture In-depth-- South Dakota agriculture seen at 2026 Rose Parade®

South Dakota’s float in the 2026 Rose Parade® (Jan. 1, 2026) won the Americana Award for being the “most outstanding depiction of national treasures and traditions.” Among the South Dakota agriculture-related treasures and traditions shown on the float or used as materials to cover the float were bison, pheasant, grouse, corn, forestry and rodeo. In this episode, retired florist Dave Engelmeyer from Burke, SD, chats with DRG Media Group News and Farm Director Jody Heemstra about his experience helping to decorate the float. Travel South Dakota’s “Carved in Stone; A Legacy of Teamwork” entry showcased Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a vibrant landscape, thundering bison and the Dignity: Of Earth & Sky sculpture. South Dakota’s natural beauty and heritage were brought to life through more than 40,000 floral elements, including corn, wheat, sunflowers, light blue iris petals and palm bark. The 2026 parade marked Travel South Dakota’s second appearance in the Rose Parade, following its first entry in 2016, and served as a national kickoff to America’s 250th anniversary celebration.