RAPID CITY, S.D. – The South Dakota Ag Foundation has announced the appointment of Clay Birkeland to its board of directors, expanding its leadership as the nonprofit works to support the future of the state’s agricultural industry.

Birkeland serves as the senior vice president and director of agricultural banking at Pioneer Bank & Trust. With more than 20 years of experience in agricultural and commercial banking, he has been a long-time advocate for farmers and ranchers across the region. Pioneer Bank & Trust operates multiple branches in western South Dakota, including two locations in Rapid City.

The appointment comes as the foundation continues to scale its flagship Keep Farmers Farming program, which officially integrated into the organization last year. The legacy planning initiative helps agricultural families navigate the complex transition of farm and ranch ownership to the next generation, aiming to preserve rural communities and manage a massive upcoming generational transfer of wealth.

“The South Dakota Ag Foundation is doing important work to support the next generation of farmers and ranchers,” Birkeland said of the organization’s efforts. “We’re proud to partner with them in that effort.”

Birkeland’s connection to the foundation follows a recent $50,000 commitment from Pioneer Bank & Trust to support the Keep Farmers Farming program, distributed over a five-year period. Foundation leaders noted that partnerships with leaders in areas like Rapid City and the broader western South Dakota ranching community are vital for expanding the reach of their succession planning resources.

Established in 2015, the South Dakota Ag Foundation is an independent, industry-led nonprofit dedicated to creating a lasting impact on the state’s agricultural economy through endowed funds, youth leadership development, and community grants.

Disclosure: The HomeSlice Group, the parent company of The Rapid City Post is the marketing agency serving Pioneer Bank & Trust.