THE NORTH AMERICAN MANUFACTURING CORE, Chapter 5

South Dakota differs from the manufacturing core because it is primarily an agricultural region. In the United States, it is the second-leading producer of sunflowers, third in oats and millet production, fourth in rye and flaxseed, and fifth in alfalfa hay. South Dakota also is a primary supplier of wheat, corn, and cattle.

Manufacturing and service industries are beginning to play an increasing role in the state's economy. Computers and machinery are manufactured in South Dakota, and meatpacking and food processing are important industries.

Farming began declining in the 1980s, but as of 2007 ten percent of the people in Sioux Falls worked at call centers, answering phone calls from customers around the country. Citicorp, HSBC, and other financial institutions had call centers in Sioux Falls, but in recent years these companies have outsourced to foreign markets, primarily India. "India is our fastest growing market in the world," a top HSBC official reported. "We achieved 64 percent growth in the past fiscal year."

Call Center