SD Corn Growers receive $99,920 USDA grant

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded a $99,920 grant to the South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA) to provide risk-management education through a series of seminars that focus on advanced information and training.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the SDCGA is one of 47 associations, schools, agencies and projects to receive funding from the USDA’s Risk Management Agency. The grants will support crop insurance education and outreach.

“We’re extremely thankful that we were selected to receive this grant. The money will help our association continue to provide South Dakota farmers with the most comprehensive, up-to-date information and training available,” said Teddi Mueller, the SDCGA’s legislative and industry affairs director. “It’s more important than ever for farmers to keep up with changing agricultural technology and policies.”

The SDCGA will partner with Farm Credit Services of America and the South Dakota Livestock Foundation to use the money to develop six risk management seminars and three planter calibration clinics in various communities, as well as a risk management session at the association’s annual meeting.

"USDA is committed to diversity, inclusion and performance in everything we do, and we need to continue to ensure opportunities in agriculture for all Americans,” Vilsack said. “Through these partnerships, traditionally underserved agricultural producers and those in targeted states will receive assistance in understanding and using risk management tools."

The partnerships will provide farmers and ranchers access to a complete set of conferences, targeted instruction, strategies, and networking opportunities at a local level. The programs are designed to help ensure that farmers and ranchers effectively manage their risk, helping to maintain the nation’s food supply and the survival of small farmers with limited resources.