SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

NEWS RELEASE

 For Immediate Release: Dec. 22, 2014

Media Contact: Candi Briley, 605.680.5009
 

SD Farm Bureau and County Farm Bureau Chapters Contribute Funds for State Fairgrounds’ New Exhibit Hall

HURON, S.D.-The South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation (SDFB) and county Farm Bureau chapters have provided a total of $35,000 toward the South Dakota State Fair Foundation for its new exhibit hall.

The SDFB donated $25,000 to the cause along with two other fundraising campaigns.

Earlier this year at DakotaFest, the State Fair Foundation was selected as one of three organizations to compete in SDFB Financial’s “Cast Your Kernel” competition. Voting members of the public chose the State Fair Foundation to win the top donation of $2,000.

In addition, a number of South Dakota county Farm Bureau chapters have pledged to also donate funds to the new exhibit hall. More than $7,500 has been matched by county Farm Bureau chapters thus far. 

“Farm Bureau cares about rural families and the future opportunities in agriculture,” said Wayne Smith, executive director of the South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation. “Advocating to consumers about the food we produce will be one of the greatest challenges in the future. Farm Bureau is pleased to assist 4-H as they help youth develop their leadership abilities.”

The funds raised by 4-H members and matched to a certain dollar amount by county Farm Bureau chapters are doubled again by philanthropist Earl Nordby’s 4-H Campaign Challenge. For each dollar raised by 4-H’ers and their families for the new exhibit hall, Nordby is matching dollar to dollar up to $500,000.

“It has been wonderful to have not only a generous donor, but a statewide grassroots partner in the Farm Bureau,” said Loren Noess, capital campaign chair. “From the start of our campaign, they have gone the extra mile to assist 4-H fundraising efforts in the communities served by local Farm Bureau chapters.”

When built, the Nordby Exhibit Hall for 4-H, Youth, and Community will feature 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 year-round.  

The Foundation has raised more than $3.5 million of its $4 million goal. Those interested in supporting the Capital Campaign should contact the State Fair Foundation at 605-274-3370 or visit www.sdstatefairfoundation.com. To learn more about your local 4-H fundraising efforts for the exhibit hall, contact your SDSU Extension 4-H Advisor.

The South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation is a membership organization composed of 14,000 member families statewide, and works to build strong leaders that can speak for and lead agriculture into the future. 4-H plays a very important part in the development of young rural leaders.

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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Photo Caption:

Back:  Jozie Kalmbach-Beadle County Beadle Bops 4-H Club, Laci Svennes- Beadle County Beadle Bops 4-H Club, Claire Trautman- Beadle County Beadle Bops 4-H Club, Ruth Trautman- Beadle County Beadle Bops 4-H Club, Grace Trautman- Beadle County Beadle Bops 4-H Club, Luke Kalmbach- Beadle County Beadle Bops 4-H Club, Kyle VanderLaan- Beadle County Beadle Bops 4-H Club, Kathryn Henning - SD State Fair Foundation, Wayne Smith - SD Farm Bureau, Julie Fritzsche - SD Farm Bureau, Jackie Winegar - SD Farm Bureau

Front:  Isaac VanScharrel- Beadle County Beadle Bops 4-H Club, Courtney VanderLaan- Beadle County Beadle Bops 4-H Club, Joy Trautman- Beadle County Beadle Bops 4-H Club