What South Dakota Farm Bureau Is
South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) is a grassroots membership organization for farm, ranch and rural families. According to a radio report on the organization, it was established in 1917 when the first county Farm Bureaus joined together to form the state organization, and it represents more than 16,000 farm, ranch and rural families. SDSU's archive record says local efforts began at the county level around 1913 and the Federation was officially established in 1917. The state organization turned 100 in 2017.
How the County Farm Bureau Fits In
Everything starts locally. That same report says policy development begins at the county level when members bring forward resolutions, which they vote on at the county annual meeting. Approved county resolutions go to the state, where delegates vote on them at the SDFB annual meeting. Adopted resolutions become SDFB policy, and the organization lobbies the State Legislature in Pierre based on that policy. Resolutions on national issues go to the American Farm Bureau Federation, where delegates from each state vote at the national convention.
In short, a producer who wants a voice on spray drift, rural roads or tax policy can bring it to a county meeting and follow it up the chain.
Membership
Membership is open to farm, ranch and rural families across the state. Members set policy by bringing forward and voting on resolutions. The sources we reviewed did not list dues, county contacts or an application process, so contact SDFB directly or look up your county organization for current information.
Policy Issues
The radio report listed industrial hemp production, chemical spray drift and financing for county and township roads among the issues in play. It noted that SDFB questioned whether current laws adequately address damages from spray drift, and that its policy opposes a tax on dyed diesel proposed to fund county and township roads. Policy changes from year to year as members vote, so treat that list as a snapshot.
Day at the Capitol
County leaders also meet lawmakers in person. South Dakota Ag Connection reported that more than 60 county Farm Bureau leaders attended SDFB Day at the South Dakota Capitol on February 6, 2024, alongside board members and staff. They attended committee meetings, met with state officials and watched the legislative process. SDFB Executive Director Krystil Smit said grassroots members set the policy direction.
Community Grants and Local Projects
Farm Bureau has also shown up in small towns. In 2017, SDFB marked its centennial with $100,000 in community grants, and the article says local county chapters often matched the donations. Projects included:
- Expansion of Community Memorial Hospital in Burke.
- Ten beef cow-calf pairs for McCrossan Boys Ranch in Sioux Falls.
- New facilities at the Sanborn, Turner, Perkins, Butte and Lawrence county fairgrounds.
- Archery ranges in Wall and Webster.
- Grain bin rescue equipment in Clay, Brookings and Kingsbury counties.
- 4-H programming equipment in Grant, Aurora and Union counties.
- A new FFA chapter at Yankton High School.
Chapters named in the article include Gregory, Douglas, Brookings-Kingsbury, Davison-Hanson and Charles Mix counties. Some South Dakota Farm Bureau organizations cover more than one county, as that list shows.
Recruiting and Outreach
The American Farm Bureau reported that SDFB partnered with 20 county Farm Bureaus to host four regional meetings in areas where it had rarely held events, aiming to recruit new members. The 89 farmers and ranchers who attended included non-members and younger farmers, and the meetings were scheduled to avoid planting, harvest, winter weather and the start of school.
Committees and History
SDSU's archive notes that the Federation's committees have included Executive, Women's, Young Farmers and Ranchers, Marketing and Nominating committees. The archive also records that SDFB Mutual Insurance merged with Iowa Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance in July 1999 and no longer operates under the South Dakota name, while the South Dakota Farm Bureau Service Company still supports the Bureau's mission.
Why It Matters to Fair and 4-H Families
Many families meet Farm Bureau first through a county fairground improvement or a 4-H equipment donation, as the centennial grants showed. The same neighbors who volunteer at Achievement Days often sit on county Farm Bureau committees, so asking at a fair board meeting is a good way to find the local contact. Because the sources we reviewed did not give county phone numbers, start with your county Extension office or a neighbor who is a member.
Ways to Get Involved
- Ask neighbors which county Farm Bureau covers your area.
- Attend the county annual meeting and bring a resolution.
- Watch for regional meetings and Capitol day events.
- If you are a 4-H parent or fair board member, ask whether your county Farm Bureau has funded local grants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join?
Membership is open to farm, ranch and rural families across South Dakota.
How does policy get made?
Members bring resolutions to the county annual meeting, approved ones go to state delegates at the SDFB annual meeting, and national issues go to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Does Farm Bureau support 4-H and fairs?
The 2017 centennial grants funded fairground facilities, 4-H equipment and a new FFA chapter.
South Dakota Listings Covered by This Guide
- South Dakota Farm Bureau Annual Convention
The 109th convention, Nov. 20-21, 2026, at The Box Events Center in Box Elder, brings farmers and ranchers together to set policy and honor members; Flint Rasmussen entertains at the banquet.
Box Elder, SD | 1-605-353-8054 | Organizer: South Dakota Farm Bureau Official event details - South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation
Grassroots membership group founded in 1917 when county Farm Bureaus united; it represents more than 13,000 farm, ranch and rural families and is led by an 11-member board of farmers.
PO Box 1416, Huron, SD 57350 | 1-605-353-8054 Website
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.