PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced that the Keep Farmers Farming program received a $200,000 grant to expand their essential estate and transition planning support for South Dakota ag producers. This grant came from the Future Fund.
“Keep Farmers Farming is making sure that our kids and grandkids keep South Dakota agriculture strong for generations to come,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “It’s about transferring more than just assets – it’s about passing down experience, work ethic, morals, and history.”
Earlier this year, the Noem-Rhoden Administration worked with the South Dakota Ag Foundation and First Dakota National Bank to expand the scope and access of the Keep Farmers Farming program to serve even more family farms. Since that restructuring, participation has grown from 54 families to 125 families! As part of that initial effort, the South Dakota Ag Foundation previously received a one-year $200,000 grant from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development to administer, market, and grow the program.
“The next 10 years will be critical as farms and ranches transition wealth, knowledge, and wisdom to the next generation of South Dakota producers,” said Kyle Holt, South Dakota Ag Foundation CEO. “The South Dakota Ag Foundation is grateful for the continued support from the Governor’s Office for our Keep Farmers Farming program as we meet this incredible demand.”
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. For more information on the South Dakota Ag Foundation click here.