Sheep Industry News June 2023

Major Contribution Fuels Raise the Shed Fundraising Campaign

T he South Dakota State Fair Foundation has made some major announcements recently, all giving energy to Raise The Shed. South Dakota Farmers Union has pledged $700,000 to the Raise the Shed Fundrais ing Campaign. People of all financial abilities can make an immediate and positive impact by being part of the Raise The Shed: The Grand Drive Campaign. The grand drive focuses on the variety of giving levels that are part of the campaign. Join this unique group and invest $1,000 to receive recognition on the donor wall in a prominent space of the new building. The South Dakota State Fair Foundation challenges 1,000 people to be a part of this unique drive and donate at least $1,000. Doing so will raise $1 million for the campaign. The fundraising goal is $3 million. The total project cost is approximately $8 million. Agriculture is South Dakota’s No. 1 industry. By support ing The Shed, donors are supporting youth involvement and education in agriculture, which is necessary to maintain a strong ag industry for future generations. The Shed will be the new home for Open Class Sheep at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron, S.D., and serve as a multi-purpose facility including a show arena and educational center. The indoor educational center will provide a place for interactive learning about the sheep industry, opportunities in agriculture and the state’s rich

agricultural history. “A new facility is essential for the continued growth of the sheep industry in South Dakota, and your donation toward building The Shed will help support both youth and open class exhibitors,” said Fred DeRouchey, Raise The Shed com mittee member. “Our three sons’ involvement with their 4-H and FFA sheep projects and exhibiting at the South Dakota State Fair provided them many opportunities. It helped them develop responsibility feeding and caring for their animals, taught them showmanship and livestock judging skills, and most importantly they made friendships that will last a lifetime.” The Raise The Shed Campaign includes several donor opportunities for all donation levels including show arena naming rights, donor wall sponsorships and a wool wall. For more information on how to donate visit SDStateFairFoun dation.com. The former Open Class Sheep Barn has been demolished, and project planning and design for The Shed is underway. A ground breaking ceremony is expected to be held during the 2024 State Fair. For additional information about the project or ques tions, contact South Dakota State Fairgrounds Manager Peggy Besch at 605-353-7340 or peggy.besch@state.sd.us or Fundraising Campaign Chairman Larry Tidemann at 605 690-8353.

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