Four South Dakota agri-businesses were honored with the "Friend of Agriculture" award by South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) at their 106th Convention held recently in Sioux Falls. 

The Friend of Agriculture Award is a high honor given by SDFB to strengthen relationships between ag producers and agri-business.  

"Farmers and ranchers rely on local businesses that support them and understand the needs of agriculture today," said Krystil Smit, SDFB Executive Director. "It's our honor to recognize the people for what they do to sustain and grow agriculture in their communities."

The following agri-businesses were honored:

 

Pictured are Scott VanderWal of SDFB and Sarah VanDerVliet of Buffalo Christian.

Buffalo Christian Homeschool Academy - Humboldt

Buffalo Christian is a non-profit, non-denomination, private school ministry. Minnehaha County Farm Bureau, who nominated the Academy, shared that Buffalo Christian provides students the opportunity to immerse themselves in what it means to be an agriculturalist as part of an agriculturally based curriculum. 

 

Olson Sod Farms - Meckling

Olson Sod Farms specializes in providing the highest quality sod to Golf Courses and Athletic Fields. They were recognized as a business always looking to improve rural South Dakota.


 

Pictured are Scott VanderWal of SDFB and Doug Ode, Gregg Ode and Alex Ode of Royalwood Dairy.

Royalwood Dairy - Brandon

Royalwood Dairy is a 480-cow dairy and raises 1,150 acres of corn and alfalfa. Nominators stated that Royalwood hosts an on-the-farm breakfast event every June.


Pictured are Jerad Hutchens and Tyler Samuelson of Summit Contracting and Scott VanderWal of SDFB 

Summit Contracting – Platte

Summit Contracting is an industry leader in farm and commercial building construction. They were acknowledged for their ability to invest in local communities and provide services for farmers and ranchers of South Dakota.


To learn more about the award recipients, visit the SDFB Facebook page for individual videos. More information about South Dakota Farm Bureau can be found at www.sdfbf.org.