South Dakota Ag Connection - S.D. Ag Foundation Accepts $4 Million Challenge

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S.D. Ag Foundation Accepts $4 Million Challenge
South Dakota Ag Connection - 03/21/2018

On National Ag Day, the South Dakota Agricultural Foundation accepted a five-year challenge to raise $4 million for future support of South Dakota's agriculture industry. Funds raised by the SD Ag Foundation will be matched by an additional $1 million in funds from the State of South Dakota and South Dakota Community Foundation.

Gov. Dennis Daugaard was at POET headquarters in Sioux Falls Tuesday to make the announcement.

"We take pride in agriculture here in South Dakota, and to see the SD Ag Foundation's commitment to invest in the future of agriculture is commendable. This challenge will ensure growth in the industry, while highlighting the need for philanthropy in agriculture," said Gov. Daugaard.

"We've seen a lot of excitement around the South Dakota Agricultural Foundation and its initiatives this last year," said Stephanie Judson, president of South Dakota Community Foundation. "We hope our challenge grant encourages others to join us in supporting a very vital part of the state's heritage and economy."

In support of the SD Ag Foundation, POET announced its commitment of $250,000 towards the 1:4 matching challenge.

"Agriculture drives this state and every community in it," POET CEO Jeff Broin said. "This effort to promote ag education, market development, research and more is crucial for the future of South Dakota. We are proud that biofuels have provided the avenue for growth in ag markets over the last decade, and they will play a pivotal role in helping farmers recover from the hardship they face today. We want to do whatever we can to help our farmers and their children succeed for years to come."

Other commitments toward the challenge goal include --

- First Interstate Bank: $25,000

- South Dakota Bankers Association: $5,000

- Riverview Farms: $5,000

- Nathan & Kristin Jensen: $1,000

Since its inception in 2016, the SD Ag Foundation has raised nearly half a million dollars. This year they are supporting 23 organizations involved in youth ag education across South Dakota with grants totaling $34,165.

The South Dakota Agricultural Foundation is an independent, industry-led nonprofit composed of key leaders in the South Dakota ag industry. The Foundation is committed to cultivating a culture of philanthropy that serves all South Dakota ag organizations, and investing in the future of South Dakota agriculture through financial support, human resources, and capital.

For more information on SD Ag Foundation, contact Chris Maxwell at 605-280-2895 or chris.maxwell@sdagfoundation.org

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