SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: September 2, 2014

Media Contact: Loren Noess, 605-274-3370

Area Turkey Processing Plant Provides $150,000 toward Nordby Exhibit Hall

HURON, S.D. – The Dakota Provisions turkey plant located in Huron was recognized Sunday for a major pledge toward the State Fair Foundation’s Capital Campaign for a new exhibit hall. A check was presented for $150,000. This gift ties with a gift given earlier this year for the second largest donation to the campaign.    

“The State Fair is an important part of our community and South Dakota. We are very pleased to support the sustainability of this event and all the learning that takes place here,” commented Ken Rutledge, president and CEO of Dakota Provisions. 

When built, the 49,000 square-foot Nordby Exhibit Hall for 4-H, Youth and Community will feature more than 30,000 square feet of exhibit space, multiple classrooms, a large kitchen for 4-H Special Foods competitions and a performance stage for the many 4-H activities that will take place there year-round.  

“As one of our largest campaign gifts from a business, we are deeply grateful to Dakota Provisions for stepping up and providing a leading gift for the construction of the new exhibit hall,” said Loren Noess, Capital Campaign chairperson. 

The Foundation has raised $2.9 million of its $4 million goal. Those interested in supporting the Capital Campaign should contact the State Fair office at 605-274-3370 or visit www.sdstatefairfoundation.com.  During the Fair, attendees can learn more about the exhibit hall and its campaign at the 4-H Leaders booth near the 4-H Ag Center on the fairgrounds.   

Dakota Provisions is a state-of-the-art turkey processing plant that produces homegrown, world-class products. Dakota Provisions manufactures and produces poultry and protein products that are specially designed for retail and food service partners. Located just east of the James River, Dakota Provisions was founded by a co-op of growers, most of whom are members of Hutterite communities.

Agriculture is South Dakota's No. 1 industry, 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.

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