America's farmers and ranchers provide food security for this nation and much of the rest of the world.

Farm Bureau History

Farm Bureau is not the nation's oldest nor the youngest farm organization, but it is the largest, with over six million members.

Farm Bureau grew out of the Extension education movement occurring at land grant colleges shortly after the turn of the twentieth century. In 1910-1911, agricultural colleges began an experiment with the US Department of Agriculture to provide trained "agricultural agents" who would work with local farmers and ranchers in applying the latest scientific advancements to production agriculture. A number of state legislatures began requiring that, before a county agent could be hired, a group of local farm leaders had to be organized to direct the efforts of the local "extension agent."

These locally-organized leaders operated as a "bureau" within the local chamber of commerce, hence the name Farm Bureau. Several county Farm Bureaus began operating in South Dakota as early as 1913. In 1917, the existing county Farm Bureaus joined as the SD Farm Bureau Federation.

In 1919, South Dakota participated in organizing the American Farm Bureau Federation.

During the 1920s, Farm Bureau leaders chose not to become involved in forming and operating cooperatives. SDFB membership rose to 5,673 families in 1921, a number that was not again surpassed until 1977.

SDFB experienced extreme difficulties in the 1930s when its membership fell to around 500 members. After World War II the organization began to rebuild, but did not attain the impressive growth pattern shown in other state Farm Bureaus. Membership services were very limited and the only service offered was a very narrow line of insurance.

In the late 1950s many county Farm Bureaus reorganized and began building new programs. The 1963 wheat referendum also caused a number of county Farm Bureau reorganizations.

During the 1960s and 1970s programs at the county and state were broadened and expanded. The insurance programs were strengthened and membership reached an all-time high in 1977. During the 1980s Farm Bureau's influence continued to grow and its image was enhanced.

As the organization has grown, Farm Bureau has expanded its program of member involvement and leadership training. Today, the South Dakota Farm Bureau has a Young Farmers & Ranchers program of leadership development, as well as a Women's Leadership Team. SDFB also offers insurance and a variety of other membership benefits.

Farm Bureau's method of grassroots policy development means that the organization's governing policies begin with members at the county level. At the state level, the South Dakota Farm Bureau is an effective voice in Pierre, representing the grassroots policy adopted by its members. The American Farm Bureau Federation has been recognized as a member of the "Power 25" most effective lobbying groups in Washington, D.C.

Farm Bureau will continue to focus on its goal of improving net farm income and improving the quality of rural life.

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PO Box 1426 | 2225 Dakota Avenue S | Huron, SD 57350 | PH: 605-353-8050 | FAX: 605-353-8057