Prime Time Gala presents $292K to Feeding South Dakota

Total donation from South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation continues to grow beyond $3.3 million
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — On Saturday night during the 13th Annual Prime Time Gala & Concert, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation presented a six-figure donation to Feeding South Dakota on stage at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. The contribution of $292,620 will help provide high-quality beef to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity across South Dakota.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors for the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the 13th Annual Prime Time Gala,” said Ryan Eichler, president of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation. “The generosity of our cattle producers, industry partners, sponsors, volunteers and attendees continues to make a meaningful impact across South Dakota. Together, we are helping provide nutritious beef to families in need while also investing in the future of agriculture through scholarships and educational opportunities.”
Since partnering with Feeding South Dakota in 2013, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation has contributed more than $3 million to help combat food insecurity throughout the state. Funds raised through Prime Time Gala & Concert support Feeding South Dakota’s efforts to provide protein-rich meals to those in need while also supporting scholarships and research initiatives that strengthen agriculture and nutrition across the region.
“Support from the Prime Time Gala continues to make a tremendous difference for the families we serve,” said Lori Dykstra,
CEO of Feeding South Dakota. “We are grateful for the ongoing partnership with the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation and everyone who supports this event. Their commitment helps ensure South Dakotans have access to nutritious, high-quality protein when they need it most.” More than 113,000 South Dakotans experience food insecurity, including thousands of children and families in communities across the state.

During the Prime Time Gala, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation awarded $15,000 in scholarships to students pursuing education and careers that support the beef industry and agriculture. The 2026 scholarship recipients included:

• $5,000 – Carson Wosje | Volga
• $4,000 – Katelyn Gebhart | Meadow
• $3,000 – Olivia Hadrick | Faulkton
• $2,000 – Josie Johnson | Montrose
• $1,000 – Atlee Olson | St. Onge
  
  The Foundation also recognized participants in the Fed Cattle Challenge, a program designed to help develop the next generation of feedyard owners and managers by providing hands-on experience in cattle finishing, production science and
  economics.
  
  Individual winners included:
• $1,500 – Lucas Daggett | Aberdeen
• $1,000 – Tye McGraw | Raymond
• $500 – Mallory Carlson | Erwin
  Group winners included:
• $1,500 – Gregory County FFA | Burke
• $1,000 – Winner High School Animal Science Class | Winner
• $500 – Bennett County 4-H | New Underwood
  
  The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation also recognized Iroquois-native, Kirby Miller as the recipient of the Lake Area
  
  Technical College Workforce Scholarship. This scholarship is offered to a young person’s entire technical school education with their commitment to supporting the beef industry in a full time capacity at least three years after graduation.
  Finally, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation recognized the Kingsbury County Cattlemen’s Association with the 2026 Jean Wilkinson Memorial Branding Iron Award, honoring the organization’s outstanding leadership, service to the beef industry, support of the Foundation’s mission and remarkable commitment to helping others, including coordinating 41 semi loads of relief supplies for Nebraska cattle producers impacted by devastating wildfires.
  This year’s concert featured country music superstar Dierks Bentley with special guests Muscadine Bloodline and Elizabeth Jo, who entertained over 6,000 attendees following the gala program. Prior to Bentley taking the stage, the winner of the Billion Chevrolet of Sioux Falls truck raffle was announced. The winner of the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Duramax Crew Cab 4WD LT was Walt Bones of Chancellor, South Dakota.
  The 14th Annual Prime Time Gala & Concert will be held Saturday, June 12, 2027, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center and Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. Additional details will be announced in the coming months at http://sdcattlemensfoundation.com.