Farm Credit Services of America Commits $100,000 to Support South Dakota Ag Foundation
PIERRE, S.D. (December 16, 2025) — Farm Credit Services of America has committed $100,000 to support the South Dakota Ag Foundation’s mission of strengthening agriculture, rural communities, and the next generation of producers across South Dakota.
The one-year contribution underscores Farm Credit Services of America’s investment in the long-term health of South Dakota’s ag economy and aligns with the Foundation’s expanding efforts - including the Keep Farmers Farming program, which serves farm and ranch families navigating generational transition.
“Farm Credit Services of America’s partnership accelerates our ability to reach families and communities where support is most needed,” said Nate Franzén, Chair of the South Dakota Ag Foundation Board. “They were a founding member of the South Dakota Ag Foundation, and their continued commitment demonstrates strong belief in the future of South Dakota agriculture and reinforces the importance of collaboration in sustaining our rural way of life.”
“From the very beginning, we believed in the South Dakota Ag Foundation’s mission to strengthen and support South Dakota agriculture,” said Jason Edleman, Senior Vice President of Business Development for FCSAmerica. “Their commitment to growing a vibrant and sustainable agricultural future aligns with our own mission to serve the people who feed the world. The South Dakota Ag Foundation is building a stronger future for agriculture in our state, and we’re proud to stand with them.”
The Keep Farmers Farming program formally became part of the South Dakota Ag Foundation on January 1, 2025. It supports farm and ranch families working through operational transition and estate planning with guidance, tools, and peer support, ensuring continued vitality in communities statewide.
Farm Credit Services of America’s support will help scale statewide impact, outreach, and programming as the Foundation continues to expand partnerships, support agricultural programs, enhance producer education, and support the South Dakota ag industry and our local communities.
About the South Dakota Ag Foundation
The South Dakota Ag Foundation was formed in 2015 as an independent, industry-led nonprofit comprised of South Dakota leaders dedicated to enriching agriculture for generations to come. The Foundation is committed to being the South Dakota ag community’s trusted philanthropic partner as it works to support rural communities and the development of the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Endowed funds are used to invest in projects and provide grants that have a lasting impact on the future of South Dakota agriculture. Its partners are organizations and individuals who share a love of the land, a passion for the agricultural community, and a vision for the future of the state. The South Dakota Ag Foundation currently has more than $3 million in endowed funds. Over the past six years, the Foundation has awarded grants to a variety of community organizations throughout the state, as well as youth education and leadership development programs.
About Farm Credit Services of America
Farm Credit Services of America is a customer-owned financial cooperative proud to finance the growth of rural America, including the special needs of young and beginning producers. With more than 47.6 billion in assets and nearly 8 billion in members equity, FCSAmerica is one of the region’s leading providers of credit and insurance services to farmers, ranchers, agribusiness and rural residents in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. Learn more at fcsamerica.com.