Burn Permits Open within the Black Hills Fire Protection District

RAPID CITY S.D.— Winter burning season burn permits are now being issued for the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District.

The permits are only valid to use for burning slash piles when there is continuous snow cover around the pile, the depth of the snow is at least 2 inches and winds are less than 15 mph at the burn site. Permits are valid from the day the permit is obtained until March 31, 2017, and are free of charge.

Residents within the open counties in the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District may apply for a burn permit online athttp://sd.gov/burnpermits. They will need to know what county they will be burning in and the name of the local fire department.

The burn permit system informs fire managers where burning activities are occurring, reducing the number of false runs to fires and saving firefighting resources for instances when they are truly needed. It also enables firefighters to respond more quickly to fires that escape, potentially reducing the liability of the burner.

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division encourages residents to closely monitor the weather for your area before burning. Weather fluctuations, such as sudden gusts of wind, could spark a wildfire. Call your local fire department the day you plan to burn to ensure adequate conditions.

For more information and frequently asked questions, please visit the South Dakota Wildland Fire website athttp://wildlandfire.sd.gov/burnpermits/burnpermits.aspx. South Dakota Wildland Fire can be found on Twitter @SDWildlandFire and on Facebook by searching SD Wildland Fire.

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 SDDA online at http://sdda.sd.gov, find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or subscribe to SD Ag Chat podcasts through Google Play Music or iTunes.

Farmers and Merchants Bank Adds to Nordby Exhibit Hall Gift

 

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

Connecting Agriculture A Rewarding Time of Year By Mike Jaspers, South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture

By Mike Jaspers
South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture

Mike Jaspers, South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture. (Photo: SDDA)

Along with the changing of the colors, bawling calves and matured crops mean harvest is here. It’s time to get the combine into the field, and for most farmers, that means driving large, slow moving equipment down our state, county and township roads.  

Farming is a dangerous profession and when equipment takes to the roadway, it gets even more dangerous for farmers and those with whom they share the road. At times it can be frustrating to travel in South Dakota during harvest time, but I would remind everyone that it’s all of our responsibility to ensure safety on the roads. Farm equipment should be equipped with “slow moving vehicle” signs, flashing lights or both to make them more visible. Please slow down when you see these warning signs. Often, the driver will pull to the side so you can safely go around or their destination might be just ahead.

My fellow farmers and I need to be patient as well. Even though, we’re up against time and the weather, it’s important to wait for oncoming traffic to go by before pulling out onto the roadway. We have to stay aware of our surroundings at the farm and in the fields. That caution should extend to the roadways that we share with our friends and neighbors.

The roadway isn’t the only place we need to stay alert and use caution. Having on-farm grain storage can help a farmer market grain when the price is best or to store grain for livestock feed. However, grain bins can also be a deadly hazard. It can take less than five seconds to become trapped in flowing grain and less than 30 seconds to become fully engulfed. As producers, we need to take precautions when working in grain bins. It’s important to never enter a bin alone or make sure that someone is outside to help if something should happen.

To me, harvest is the most rewarding time of year. We can see the result of all the hard work that was put in during the previous months. Whether you’re a producer or a consumer of the crops we’re working to harvest, please join me in making sure this harvest isn’t remembered for tragedy, but for prosperity.

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

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.