SPEARFISH, S.D. – Neiman Enterprises announced it was laying off 50 employees, about 25% of the workforce at its Spearfish Forest Products sawmill.

The layoffs will also result in production reductions at Neiman’s last remaining South Dakota facility.

The company said cuts are the direct result of reductions to the Black Hills National Forest timber sale program.

“We have done everything possible to prevent this unfortunate outcome that will impact these employees, our community, and ultimately the health of the forest,” said Jim Neiman, president of Neiman Enterprises. “We’ve weathered economic and market downturns over the decades. These layoffs, however, are a direct result of the reduction in the Forest Service timber sale program.”