RAPID CITY, S.D. – Pioneer Bank & Trust received the  ‘Industry Award’ at the 2026 South Dakota Stockgrowers Association convention, held July 20-22 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Rapid City Downtown Convention Center in Rapid City.

The annual convention was held under the theme “Ag is King, Celebrating America’s 250th.” A live auction at the event raised $23,425, with Pioneer Bank & Trust matching that full amount.

“Pioneer Bank & Trust has been a part of Western South Dakota since 1913 so it makes sense that we keep on supporting the ag community including the Stock Growers Association,” said Clay Birkeland, senior vice president and director of agricultural banking at Pioneer Bank & Trust.

The annual convention brings livestock producers and agricultural supporters from across the state to Rapid City to address industry issues, set policy and recognize outstanding contributions to South Dakota agriculture.

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association works to promote independent livestock producers across the state, with all efforts centered on preserving the viability of local ranches and rural communities. As the oldest livestock producer organization nationally, the association invites all producers and rural businesses to join its unified voice.

Originated in 1892 to fulfill livestock brand recording, administration and policing for early day South Dakota livestock producers, the association continues providing a unified voice for livestock producers confronted with state and national mandates. Members address national issues of marketing, property rights, trade, animal health and animal identification.

In South Dakota, taxation has been a major issue centered on the reclassification of class four soils in accordance with use. Members also remain involved with property rights, federal lands, brand and theft, and wildlife management.

Along with conveying producer concerns to state legislators and South Dakota’s Congressional delegation, association members host area meetings for interaction with local livestock producers and farm industry businesses, alongside annual sponsorship during the Black Hills Stock Show in Rapid City.