South Dakota Boosts Farm Succession Support

By Scout Nelson

Governor Larry Rhoden announces that the Keep Farmers Farming program receives a $200,000 grant to expand estate and transition planning support for South Dakota agricultural producers. The funding comes from the Future Fund and aims to help farm and ranch families plan for long-term success.

“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.”

The Keep Farmers Farming program helps farm families prepare for ownership and management transitions. These transitions are important as many farms face changes when land, equipment, and leadership move from one generation to the next. The program provides guidance so families can plan and avoid disruptions to their operations.

Earlier this year, the Noem-Rhoden Administration works with the South Dakota Ag Foundation and First Dakota National Bank to expand the program’s reach. This effort increases access and support for more family farms across the state. Since the program’s restructuring, participation grows from 54 families to 125 families, showing strong demand for transition planning services.

As part of the earlier expansion, the South Dakota Ag Foundation receives a one-year $200,000 grant from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. That funding supports program management, outreach, and growth. The new grant builds on this progress and allows the program to serve even more producers.

“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 formed in 2015 as an independent nonprofit led by industry leaders. Its mission is to strengthen agriculture for future generations. Through programs like Keep Farmers Farming, the foundation supports families as they protect their farms, preserve their values, and ensure agriculture remains strong across South Dakota.

Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska