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Have you ever considered how agriculture starts with the growing and harvesting of food and fiber, and it ends with almost everything we eat, wear, and use? "When most people think of agriculture and its end products, we think of a grocery store or a field of waving grain or a pasture full of livestock," relates Black Hills Stock Show Foundation Vice President, Doug Theel. "The reality is that today’s picture is quite a bit different than the one even 10 years ago." During National Ag Week March 15 20, that includes National Ag Day March 20 (the first day of Spring) the Foundation will be visiting area media, armed with the usual facts and statistics but also with fun trivia questions where the right answers come with free beef certificates. "We’ve planned a fun week," says Diane Norman, BHSSF Community Relations Director. "Morning shows on various radio and television networks that include KNBN News Center 1, KTOQ 1340 AM and KKMK 93.9 FM will feature interesting news and notes on agriculture throughout the week. Viewers and listeners will be able to call in with answers to trivia questions with winners receiving free beef certificates redeemable at grocery stores and at some restaurants." While most people are familiar with the Foundation’s scholarship programs that annually award approximately $18,000 to students in South and North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana and Nebraska, the non-profit organization also funds programs and projects that value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy. "As part of the Foundation’s Mission Statement that includes support for organizations and programs that enhance services, awareness and education to the public regarding the social and economic roles of agriculture, we make tangible inputs," says Theel, a Financial Officer with Farm Credit Services of America in Rapid City. "From funding capital campaigns for rural health care facilities and services to grants for rural, volunteer fire fighting units, it’s all a part of our communities that truly function hand in hand with today’s rancher and farmer." Just how much is evident in states like South Dakota where as the number one economic industry - agriculture - has a $17 billion dollar annual impact. In communities like Rapid City, a single event such as the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo results in an estimated $10-$12 million dollar benefit. "What we hope people will consider during Ag Week and all year long, is how important the agricultural scheme of things is to us all," says Theel. "Of every 100 people employed, 20 work in an ag-related career field that’s how diverse the industry is; college age students pursuing ag-related degrees have promising futures we want to see those futures start right here, close to home. It’s do-able. It just takes a commitment….and time." Along with increasing general awareness of the multiple roles filled by some form of agriculture, the Foundation also seeks to serve more people, families and communities in its service area. "There’s no shortage of good people doing good works," observes Theel, "but there is a shortage of resources to help them get the job done. Fundraising is a part of that." To date the Foundation has provided almost $72,000 in
scholarship relief and $83,000 in grant awards. "What’s important to understand
is that there are so many more deserving students, so many more deserving
projects where there are legitmate needs not being met," says Theel. "Whether
it’s through the observance of national programs like Ag Week or volunteering on
more local levels, there’s much to be gained over the long-term. We are
interdependent of one another. The old saying still holds true….."as goes
agriculture, so goes the world."
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More Than Cows And Plows…..