Identifier

MA 38

Dates

1906-1946

Extent

4.79 linear feet (2 document cases, 2 oversize boxes)

Abstract

The Dakota Farmer Collection documents the history, production, and promotion of The Dakota Farmer, an agricultural periodical established in 1881 in Alexandria, Dakota Territory, by James Baynes. The publication relocated to Huron within its first year under Augustine Davis and later came under the leadership of William Bushnell, who became sole proprietor in 1885. Under Bushnell’s direction, the magazine expanded its influence and relocated to Aberdeen in 1893, where it advocated for agricultural development, improved livestock and crop production, and the growth of farm organizations throughout the northern Great Plains. Over time, The Dakota Farmer continued to serve as a source of agricultural information and commentary for farmers in the Dakotas, later becoming part of Webb Publishing in 1979 and eventually Farm Progress Companies.

The collection consists primarily of printing plates, specialty publications, survey reports, correspondence, and photographs documenting the magazine’s production, marketing and editorial development. A large portion of the materials includes printing plates used in publication design, such as mastheads, ornamental frames, and original artwork reflecting the magazine’s visual identity. Additional materials include advertising and promotional publications, surveys of farmers, merchants, and bankers assessing readership and market reach, and correspondence related to the redesign of the magazine’s cover, including evaluations of competing agricultural publications and proposed design samples. Together, these records document the magazine’s role in disseminating agricultural information while also promoting regional agricultural commerce and readership engagement.

SDSU Archives and Special Collections

This document is a descriptive inventory of the collection in the SDSU Archives and Special Collections. It contains:

  • An overview of the collection, including information about the person or organization and a brief description of the materials and subjects found within.
  • A detailed inventory listing, organized by boxes and folders.
  • Information on how to access the materials, including any restrictions or special conditions.

In most cases, the materials in the collections have not been digitized and are not available online. If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at:

Language

English

Publisher

South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.

Rights

In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s). Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.

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