(PIERRE, SD) — South Dakota, renowned for its rich agricultural history and a tight-knit community of dedicated farmers, is setting a pivotal precedent for agricultural transition planning. Recently, Governor Kristi Noem emphasized the importance of family farms and ranches during her State of the State Address on January 14, as she unveiled an innovative collaboration designed to support the state’s agricultural legacy.
Governor Kristi Noem
The heart of this initiative lies in the Keep Farmers Farming program, which now finds itself bolstered by a new partnership. This strategic alliance brings together the State of South Dakota, the South Dakota Ag Foundation, and First Dakota National Bank, three entities with a shared vision for the sustainability of family farms and ranches.
Governor Noem eloquently noted, “We need a robust, diverse food supply, and our family farms are one of the most crucial parts of that. Family farms and ranches have a special connection to the land that has been in their family for generations.”
Central to this partnership is the transition of the Keep Farmers Farming program from First Dakota National Bank to the South Dakota Ag Foundation. The program focuses on estate and transition planning, ensuring that family farms and ranches can be passed down through generations, not just as physical assets, but as a legacy comprising experience, work ethic, morals, and history.
South Dakota Ag Foundation
Governor Noem emphasized the seamless transition for current participants by stating, “There will be no loss of service for existing program participants.” This stability is crucial for ensuring continuous support to South Dakota’s agricultural families.
The South Dakota Agricultural Foundation, established in 2015 as an independent, industry-led non-profit organization, will spearhead the program’s administration, marketing, and growth. Benefiting from a one-year, $200,000 grant from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the Foundation is well-positioned to enhance its impact across the state.
With over $3 million in endowed funds, the South Dakota Ag Foundation has a proven track record. It has consistently supported youth education, leadership development programs, and various community organizations throughout the state. This background makes it a worthy custodian of the Keep Farmers Farming program, poised to elevate South Dakota’s farming heritage.
First Dakota National Bank
The essence of this collaboration rests not only in the practicalities of asset transfer but also in preserving a way of life that is integral to South Dakota’s identity. This involves imparting invaluable experiential knowledge and ethical grounding to future generations, ensuring that South Dakotan values endure.
Through this partnership, South Dakota once again demonstrates its commitment to sustaining and nurturing its agricultural community, vital to both the state’s economy and its cultural heritage. By facilitating a smoother generational transition, the Keep Farmers Farming program encapsulates the spirit of resilience and forward-thinking that defines South Dakota.
The program’s success is anticipated to serve as a model for other agricultural states, showcasing South Dakota’s leadership in maintaining agricultural legacy while adapting to modern needs.
For more information about the Keep Farmers Farming program and other South Dakota Ag Foundation initiatives, interested parties can contact them via [email protected].