Passing a South Dakota farm or ranch along to the next generation might become a little easier because of a newly formed collaboration between three different entities.
During her State of the State Address Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2025), Governor Kristi Noem said the partnership involves the Keep Farmers Farming program.
“We need a robust, diverse food supply, and our family farms are one of the most crucial parts of that. Family farms and ranches have a special connection to the land that has been in their family for generations.”
“We have reached an agreement between the State of South Dakota, the South Dakota Ag Foundation, and First Dakota National Bank to transfer the Keep Farmers Farming program from First Dakota to the South Dakota Ag Foundation. The partnership works with farm and ranch families on estate and transition planning. It helps our producers pass along their land and legacy to their kids and grandkids. It’s about transferring not just assets – but experience, work ethic, morals, and history to the next generation.”
Noem said the state Governor’s Office of Economic Development is giving the Ag Foundation a one-year, $200,000 grant to administer, market and grow the Keep Farmers Farming program. Additionally, she said, there will be no loss of service for existing program participants.
The Ag Foundation was formed in 2015 as an independent, industry-led nonprofit organization. With more than $3 million in endowed funds, the Ag Foundation has awarded grants to a variety of youth education and leadership development programs as well as to various community organizations throughout the state.
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