South Dakota Ag Foundation Boosted by Support from $50,000 Commitment from First National Bank in Philip
PIERRE, S.D. (March 24, 2026) — The South Dakota Ag Foundation has received a commitment of $50,000 in support from First National Bank in Philip. The contribution will be distributed in $10,000 installments over the next five years and will support the work the Keep Farmers Farming program does to help farmers and ranchers transition their operations to the next generation throughout the state of South Dakota.
“The South Dakota Ag Foundation’s mission is to enrich agriculture for generations to come. Through our Keep Farmers Farming program, we’re living that mission,” said Kim Vanneman, Vice-Chair of the Foundation. “We appreciate First National Bank in Philip’s willingness to partner with us on this important work.”
“Serving western South Dakota for more than 120 years, we understand the importance of setting the next generation up for success,” said Ray Smith, President at First National Bank in Philip. “Working with the Keep Farmers Farming program through the South Dakota Ag Foundation is a natural fit and we’re excited to support their mission.”
The Keep Farmers Farming program is a legacy planning initiative that assists farm and ranch families through the process of transitioning operations to the next generation. Through the work of Legacy Consultants, the program meets with farmers and ranchers at their kitchen tables, helping them through the process of bringing the next generation into their business and setting their operation up to thrive for generations to come. The program officially became part of the South Dakota Ag Foundation on January 1, 2025.
For more information about the South Dakota Ag Foundation or the Keep Farmers Farming program, visit www.sdagfoundation.org.
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 First National Bank in Philip
First National Bank in Philip was chartered in 1906. As a locally owned bank, they have been a stalwart member of the community ever since. Along with the primary location in Philip, the bank expanded in 2013 to include a branch in Faith. Priding itself on loyalty and customer service, they’ve been working with some families, going back three generations. To learn more about First National Bank in Philip go to www.fnbphilip.com.