4-H – Custer Free Press – HFR DESIGN STUDIO

Farmers and Merchants Bank Adds to Nordby Exhibit Hall Gift

December 12, 2016 by Herb Ryan, posted in South Dakota

statefairfoundationcheckopt — Farmers and Merchants Bank, a branch of First National Bank, has provided an additional gift to the South Dakota State Fair Foundation for the Nordby Exhibit Hall for 4-H, Youth and Community. The bank donated another $25,000, bringing its total donation to $55,000. A check presentation was hosted at the bank Thursday afternoon. (submitted photo)

Farmers and Merchants Bank Adds to Nordby Exhibit Hall Gift

HURON, S.D.- Farmers and Merchants Bank, a branch of First National Bank, has provided an additional gift to the South Dakota State Fair Foundation for the Nordby Exhibit Hall for 4-H, Youth and Community. The bank donated another $25,000, bringing its total donation to $55,000. A check presentation was hosted at the bank Thursday afternoon.

Bank branch president Spencer White says, “First National Bank recognizes the impact that 4-H has on the youth in our communities. We’re proud to partner with the South Dakota State Fair Foundation to help bring the Nordby Exhibit Hall to life. Through 4-H programming our youth develop responsibility, leadership and experiential learning, specifically in the area of agriculture, which we are always proud to support. We’re excited to contribute to our future leaders and look forward to the activities this new space will bring!”

South Dakota 4-H meetings, learning activities, competitions and other 4-H events will take place in the new hall. The facility is also available for regional gatherings such as trade shows, receptions and conferences when not in use by 4-H.

The South Dakota State Fair Foundation is carrying out its last part of its capital campaign for the new facility, with more than $4.5 million of $4.7 million raised. Opportunities to donate are still available, with only 200 bricks to go before the fundraising goal is reached. A donation of $1,000 toward the capital campaign is recognized with an engraved Sioux quartzite paver brick located permanently in the new exhibit hall. Gifts can be made over a three-year period and gifts of any size are welcome. Those interested in supporting the capital campaign are invited to contact the State Fair Foundation at 605.553.4251 or go to www.sdstatefairfoundation.com to access a brochure and donation form.

First National Bank has a history and commitment to customers that goes back to 1934. Since commencing operations in Pierre, S.D., they’ve been proud of their tradition as a family-owned business. A full-service bank with strong ties to the agricultural industry, First National Bank offers some of the most knowledgeable ag lending staff in South Dakota. Over the years they’ve grown, adding more locations and banking products, but always continue to offer customers personalized service.

Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter

Grant Application Deadline Approaching for 4-H Clubs and FFA or FCCLA Chapters

October 12, 2016 by Herb Ryan, posted in South Dakota

October 10, 2016

PIERRE, S.D. – The application deadline is quickly approaching for the Building Our South Dakota Rural Communities (BOSDRC) grant program through the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA).

Any 4-H club, FFA or FCCLA chapter in South Dakota can apply for the BOSDRC grant. Two types of grants are available. The basic grant is used for community improvement projects and is limited to $750 per project. The safety grant is used for projects that enhance public safety and is limited to $200 per project. Applications must be submitted or postmarked no later than Oct. 31, 2016. Grant awardees will be announced at the end of November.

All applications must be submitted on the official forms for Fiscal Year 2017. Grant application forms and more information on the program, including reporting requirements, are available at http://sdda.sd.gov under the Agricultural Development tab and click on Finance Programs. Please call 605.773.5436 for questions on this grant program.

Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s mission is to promote, protect and preserve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Connecting Agriculture By Mike Jaspers, South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture

August 29, 2016 by Herb Ryan, posted in South Dakota

MJaspersopti82916 — Mike Jaspers, South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture. (submitted photo)

By Mike Jaspers, South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture

It has been an exciting two months settling in as South Dakota’s Secretary of Agriculture. What an honor to be able to give back to a state and an industry that have given so much to me! Agriculture is a cornerstone of our state’s economy and has certainly played a major role in my life.

I grew up on my family’s farm outside of Eden, in the northeastern corner of the state, and graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in mechanized agriculture. Today, my wife Robin and I live near Sioux Falls with our daughter, Ellie (12), and son, Alex (9). We own and operate a corn, soybean, alfalfa and cattle operation in Hutchinson, McCook and Marshall counties. I’ve also had the opportunity to work in agricultural retail management, serve as a state legislator and state director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Office and graduate from the South Dakota Agricultural and Rural Leadership (SDARL) program.

Like many South Dakotans, I’m looking forward to attending the state fair, which runs September 1-5. Once again, one of the first events of the fair is the South Dakota Farm & Ranch Recognition Program. Every year, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture teams up with the South Dakota Farm Bureau to recognize families who have retained continuous ownership of at least 80 acres of original farmland for 100 years or more. As a farmer myself, it is an incredible honor to recognize and thank the almost 90 families that will receive a century (100 years) or quasquicentennial (125 years) recognition this year.

This year’s award ceremony is especially meaningful to me. In 1882, my great-great grandfather homesteaded a farm in Marshall county and that land is still owned by my family today. I’m proud to say the Jaspers family will be one of the families recognized this year for reaching the 125 year milestone. Despite the challenges they faced over the generations, I’m humbled when I think of all my family has done and gone through to stay on the land for five generations.

This year’s fair isn’t just about recognizing and celebrating the past—it’s also about supporting and building the future of agriculture, our youth. On September 4, at 4 p.m., there will be a dedication ceremony for the Nordby Exhibit Hall for 4-H, Youth and Community. This space will provide a place for 4-H events of all kinds during the fair and year-round event space for a variety of organizations. This capital fundraising campaign has been going on for three years and we are close to crossing the finish line.

A sizable donation from the late Earl Nordby and contributions from other individuals and groups have allowed this facility to be used for a few events this year. If you feel a special connection to youth in agriculture, please go to www.sdstatefairfoundation.com to find out how you can help complete construction. We would be honored to count you among the many generous contributors to this project.

The State Fair Park is one of the five divisions that make up the South Dakota Department of Agriculture. Stop by our booth in the Expo Building during the fair to say hello. You can test your tree knowledge on our leaf board, pick up Smokey Bear fire safety reminders, ask weed and pest control questions, learn about our County Site Analysis Program and much more. Whether it’s been since last year or it’s been several years, I hope to see you at this year’s South Dakota State Fair!