SDAF Receives Donation from RCP&E Railroad

PIERRE, S.D. (July 2, 2026) — The South Dakota Ag Foundation is proud to announce a $10,000 donation from the Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern (RCP&E) Railroad. The check was presented at a special event hosted by RCP&E in Huron, where the railroad unveiled a new locomotive adorned with an image of Mount Rushmore.

The Mount Rushmore-themed engine is a way for RCP&E to recognize the milestone anniversary for America, which marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The locomotive will travel through Huron, Pierre, Rapid City and other communities along RCP&E's route, continuing to move grain, fertilizer and other commodities that support South Dakota farmers and the state's agricultural economy.

"We appreciate the support from RCP&E and their continued partnership with farmers and ranchers," said Kyle Holt, CEO of the South Dakota Ag Foundation. "It was a great event celebrating America and continuing their commitment to agriculture in South Dakota."

"Agriculture is often revered as the heart of America, and it’s certainly the backbone of the RCP&E as our primary commodity," says Ryan Englebright, RCP&E's general manager. "To recognize that, we thought we’d take the opportunity, in honor of America’s 250th and as a way to give back to South Dakota communities and farmers, to present the South Dakota Ag Foundation with a special donation to thank them for their tireless work." 

The donation will help further the South Dakota Ag Foundation's mission of enriching agriculture for generations to come, supporting grant programs for youth and leadership development across the state, as well as the South Dakota Ag Foundation's Keep Farmers Farming (KFF) initiative.