On National Ag Day on Tuesday, the South Dakota Agricultural Foundation accepted a five-year challenge to raise $4 million for future support of South Dakota’s agriculture industry. Funds raised by the SD Ag Foundation will be matched by an additional $1 million in funds from the State of South Dakota and South Dakota Community Foundation.

“We take pride in agriculture here in South Dakota, and to see SD Agricultural Foundation’s commitment to invest in the future of agriculture is commendable. This challenge will ensure growth in the industry, while highlighting the need for philanthropy in agriculture,” said Gov. Dennis Daugaard. 

“We’ve seen a lot of excitement around the South Dakota Agricultural Foundation and its initiatives this last year,” said Stephanie Judson, president, South Dakota Community Foundation. “We hope our challenge grant encourages others to join us in supporting a very vital part of the state’s heritage and economy.”

In support of the SD Ag Foundation, POET announced its commitment of $250,000 towards the one-to-four matching challenge. Other commitments toward the challenge goal include $25,000 from First Interstate Bank, $5,000 from the South Dakota Bankers Association, $5,000 from Riverview Farms, and $1,000 from Nathan and Kristin Jensen. Founding donors who previously made donations include First Dakota National Bank, Dacotah Bank, BankWest and American Bank & Trust.

Since its inception in 2016, the SD Ag Foundation has raised close to half a million dollars. This year, the Foundation is supporting 23 organizations involved in youth ag education across South Dakota with grants totaling $34,165. 

The SD Ag Foundation is an independent, industry-led nonprofit composed of key leaders in the South Dakota ag industry. The Foundation is committed to cultivating a culture of philanthropy that serves all South Dakota ag organizations and investing in the future of South Dakota agriculture through financial support, human resources and capital. Learn more. Or contact the Foundation's Chris Maxwell.