Leadership development and innovation are part of the rich legacy of the Agtegra Cooperative. In the spirit of working to make agriculture and rural communities more vibrant in South Dakota. Agtegra, based in Aberdeen, SD, has announced a $350,000 endowed funding gift for the “Agtegra Seminar on Rural Vitality and Entrepreneurs” in the South Dakota Agricultural & Rural Leadership (SDARL) program seminar series.
SDARL provides an unparalleled leadership education program for individuals working in agriculture and holding leadership positions in rural communities. The flagship 18-month program features 12 seminars that develop the skills, knowledge, and character of leaders.
“We’re pleased to partner with SDARL in providing funding that will secure a seminar focusing on maintaining vibrant rural communities,” said Chris Pearson, CEO of Agtegra. “Many Agtegra board members are graduates of the SDARL program, and our cooperative members and their communities have benefited from the forward-thinking leadership of these individuals.”
SDARL CEO Don Norton (at left) presents a plaque to Agtegra CEO Chris Pearson commemorating the financial gift to support the “Agtegra Seminar on Rural Vitality and Entrepreneurs.”
The “Agtegra Seminar on Rural Vitality and Entrepreneurs” is a three-day learning event that includes an in-depth study of local business development, the cooperative system of agricultural production and marketing, commodity processing, and the role of local entrepreneurs in growing their communities.
“Agtegra has long supported the SDARL program and is one of our most valued educational partners,” said Don Norton, SDARL CEO. “We’re very grateful for their support in continuing the tradition of excellence in leadership development for years to come.”
Farmer-owned Agtegra Cooperative is a legacy-rich, future-focused agricultural cooperative devoted to superior service, relentless innovation, and member success. Agtegra members have access to the best products, services, and in-field assistance to maximize their production strategies.
Now in its 20th year, the SDARL program is a series of 12 seminars where competitively-selected class members learn the skills, knowledge, and character of leaders for agriculture and rural communities in South Dakota. SDARL also offers leadership training to partner organizations and to graduates through the SDARL Learning Network. The SDARL Foundation, a 501(c) 3 corporation under South Dakota law, is the management and funding organization for the program and other leadership development efforts.
