South Dakota Corn

What South Dakota Corn does

South Dakota Corn is a non-profit agricultural advocacy organization headquartered in Sioux Falls, SD. It operates through two distinct but coordinated legal entities: the SD Corn Growers Association (SDCGA), a membership organization founded in 1986 that leads legislative and policy advocacy, and the SD Corn Utilization Council (SDCUC), established in 1988 to administer the state's mandatory one-cent-per-bushel corn checkoff program. The organization serves South Dakota's corn farmers, with representation structured around nine geographic districts, and its mandate covers policy advocacy at the state (Pierre) and federal (Washington D.C.) levels, market development, consumer education, research funding, and grassroots mobilization.

The organization does not develop proprietary technology. Its service portfolio is built around policy advocacy, market development partnerships (with the U.S. Grains Council, U.S. Meat Export Federation, and ethanol producers including POET, Dakota Ethanol, and Glacial Lakes Energy), educational programs (the biannual Emerge publication, the Corn Comments audio series, and youth curricula such as 'Grow It!' at the Washington Pavilion and the Complete Children's Corn Compendium), and member-facing events including the SD Corn Conference, Corn Cob Open golf tournament, and the NCGA-co-sponsored Corn Yield Contest. Newer additions include farmer mental-health and crisis resources, and the January 2026 Radicle Corn Challenge co-sponsored with Radicle Growth to fund new corn applications.

South Dakota Corn's revenue model rests on four streams: a mandatory one-cent-per-bushel checkoff collected at point of sale (with a 60-day refund window), SDCGA membership dues (non-deductible for lobbying purposes), event sponsorships and contest entry fees (Corn Yield Contest entries at $90 early, $125 final), and program-specific fees. This structure ties revenue to statewide annual corn production volume and provides a stable, legally protected funding base rather than dependence on any single counterparty.

Name

South Dakota Corn

Legal name

South Dakota Corn Utilization Council and South Dakota Corn Growers Association

Website

https://sdcorn.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

South Dakota Corn is a non-profit agricultural advocacy organization serving South Dakota corn farmers through two entities: the SDCGA membership association for policy advocacy, and the SDCUC checkoff administrator funding market development, research, and consumer education.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agricultural Commodity Advocacy and Checkoff Administration

NAICS

Corn Farming (111150), Soil Preparation, Planting, and Cultivating (115112)

SIC

Agricultural Production-Crops (100), Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Corn (Maize) Farming (AFAGAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Carbon, Sustainability & Farm Certification Support (Agro-Environmental Advisory) (AFACABAL)

Keywords

• Agricultural commodity advocacy
• Corn checkoff administration
• Farm policy representation
• Agricultural market development
• Producer education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Sioux Falls

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. One-Cent Checkoff Program: The South Dakota Corn Utilization Council collects a mandatory one-cent-per-bushel checkoff fee when producers sell corn. Producers can request a refund within 60 days of the assessment date by completing a checkoff refund application with proof of assessment.
2. SDCGA Membership Dues: South Dakota Corn Growers Association membership dues support advocacy activities. Note: Dues are not deductible as charitable contributions or as ordinary and necessary business expenses to the extent SDCGA engages in lobbying (nondeductible portion is 100%).
3. Corn Yield Contest Fees: Entry fees for the annual Corn Yield Contest: $90 per online entry during early entry period (May 1 - June 30), $125 during final entry period (July 1 - Aug 12), plus membership fees. Harvest entry runs Aug 13 - Nov 30.
4. Event Sponsorships: Revenue from event sponsorships for programs like Corn Cob Open golf tournament, SD Corn Conference, and other organizational events. Multiple sponsorship tiers are offered including Champion, Premier, and various hole/flag sponsorships.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

South Dakota Corn is a farmer-led non-profit advocacy organization that represents South Dakota corn producers through two entities: the SD Corn Growers Association, which conducts policy and legislative advocacy at state and federal levels, and the SD Corn Utilization Council, which administers a state-legislated one-cent-per-bushel checkoff funding research, consumer education, and market development for corn, livestock, ethanol, and export demand. It also delivers annual programming including the SD Corn Conference, Corn Cob Open golf fundraiser, Corn Yield Contest, Emerge newsletter, and Corn Comments audio series for its producer-members.

Product overview

South Dakota Corn is a unified organization comprising two distinct entities: the SD Corn Growers Association (SDCGA), a membership-based advocacy organization focused on legislative activities and policy influence, and the SD Corn Utilization Council (SDCUC), which administers the One-Cent Checkoff program for research and market development. The organization offers programs including the annual SD Corn Conference, Corn Cob Open golf fundraiser, and Corn Yield Contest. Educational resources include the Emerge newsletter publication, Corn Comments audio series, and youth education programs. The organization does not offer a technology product but provides advocacy, market development, and educational services for corn farmers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SD Corn Growers Association (SDCGA) Membership-based advocacy organization representing South Dakota corn farmers at state and federal levels, conducting legislative activities and policy influence on their behalf.
• SD Corn Utilization Council (SDCUC) Peer-elected producer board that administers the One-Cent Checkoff program, funding research, market development, and consumer education initiatives for South Dakota corn producers.
• SD Corn Conference Annual conference providing educational sessions with nationally recognized agricultural experts on weather and market trends, awards ceremonies, and networking opportunities for corn farmers and industry partners.
• Corn Cob Open Annual golf tournament fundraiser hosted by SDCGA that brings together farmers, industry partners, and supporters for networking, relationship-building, and fundraising.
• Corn Yield Contest Annual yield contest organized in partnership with the National Corn Growers Association that encourages farmers to develop innovative practices for higher corn yields, with national and state-level recognition for winners.
• Emerge Publication Biannual publication distributed to corn farmers featuring timely updates from SDCGA and SDCUC on advocacy, research, market development, and education initiatives.
• Corn Comments Audio resource series featuring snippets of research, government, and industry news covering topics like fertilizer updates, trade, farmer health, and agricultural education.
• Farmer Health Resources Mental health awareness and support resource for farmers and their families, including crisis hotlines and connections to behavioral health services.
• Youth Education Programs Educational initiatives for children including The Complete Children's Corn Compendium and 'Grow It!' program at the Washington Pavilion, promoting agricultural awareness among youth.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 32 million bushels of South Dakota corn used through beef and pork exports, adding more than $139 million in value
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting and core.

• Radicle GrowthsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 January 2026Global innovation platform investing in transformative technologies in agriculture and food. Launched $1.75M Radicle Corn Challenge sponsored by US Corn Farmers to develop new uses for corn across materials, chemicals, fuels, and emerging value chains. SDCUC is one of twelve corn grower organizations supporting the challenge.
• Agtegra CooperativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgricultural cooperative headquartered in Aberdeen, SD owned by over 6,700 farmers and ranchers across North and South Dakota with network of over 70 locations and 850 employees. SD Corn collaborates with Agtegra on various initiatives including district representation.
• American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNation's grassroots ethanol advocacy organization uniting ethanol producers, farmers, investors, and businesses dedicated to making American ethanol the consumer fuel of choice.
• CHS Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the U.S. Diversified in energy, grains and foods, helping customers and farmer-owners grow their businesses.
• Dacotah BanksupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the largest independent financial institutions in the upper Midwest with roots in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota dating to 1888. Provides banking, insurance, mortgage and wealth management services.
• Dakota BioWorxsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPilot-scale bioprocessing team bringing together state-of-the-art equipment and biotechnology expertise to empower innovators and researchers to transform visions into real world solutions.
• Dakota Ethanol, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEthanol plant producing 100 million gallons annually from 33 million bushels of locally grown corn. Provides high-quality distillers grain for livestock feed.
• Dakotaland FeedssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHACCP-certified feed milling company specializing in Purina and Land O' Lakes feed standards. Based in Huron, SD with additional locations in South Dakota and North Dakota.
• Farm Credit Services of AmericasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerDedicated to serving agricultural credit and financial needs of farmers and ranchers in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. Partners on Growing On meetings.
• POETcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld's largest producer of biofuel and global leader in sustainable bioproducts. Multiple South Dakota facilities including Sioux Falls, Big Stone, Chancellor, Groton, Hudson, Mitchell, and Scotland research center.
• Glacial Lakes EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEthanol production company that continues to prove successful running above nameplate capacity, providing economic impact to agriculture industry, community and shareholders.
• Hefty Seed CompanysupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMore than 45 stores, 8th largest crop protection retailer in U.S. and #12 in seed. Hefty Brand Soybean line is one of fastest-growing seed brands. Recognized as industry leader for agronomic recommendations.
• Pioneer CortevasupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading seed company developing and testing products for almost 100 years to meet local challenges. Products protected by traits and technologies to maximize genetic and yield potential.
• SDSU College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLargest college at SDSU in student enrollment, faculty and staff, and building space. Home to SDSU Extension and South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station.
• U.S. Grains CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational development organization that builds markets for U.S. corn and related products. SDCUC funds the Council through checkoff dollars to expand international markets.
• U.S. Meat Export FederationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization increasing demand for U.S. beef, pork and lamb through market development. SDCUC collaborates to expand livestock production in South Dakota and create demand for corn and ethanol co-products.
• National Corn Growers Association (NCGA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization representing corn farmers. SDCUC funds NCGA through checkoff dollars. Dual membership offered through SDCGA. Co-sponsors Corn Yield Contest.
• Harms Oil CompanysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 1976 in Aberdeen, SD. Now operates over 100 transport trucks providing petroleum solutions to customers of all sizes.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Nebraska Corn Board: Nebraska's state corn checkoff board administering a per-bushel assessment and funding market development, research, and education — the same operational template as SDCUC and a peer-state organization serving a comparable grower base.
• National Corn Growers Association: The national-level federation of corn grower state associations, including SDCGA via dual membership. Operates the same advocacy/research model and co-sponsors the Corn Yield Contest that South Dakota Corn runs, making it the closest peer in mission and structure.
• Illinois Corn Growers Association: State-level corn checkoff and grower-association pair in the largest corn-producing U.S. state, with the same policy advocacy, market development, and research funding mandate as South Dakota Corn.
• Iowa Corn Growers Association: Largest state-level corn grower/checkoff organization in the U.S., running a parallel dual-entity model (ICGA plus Iowa Corn Promotion Board). Directly comparable to SD Corn's SDCGA + SDCUC structure and revenue mechanics.
• Minnesota Corn Growers Association: Twin-entity corn advocacy and checkoff organization (MCGA plus Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council) operating in a neighboring Upper Midwest state with similar agronomic and policy conditions to South Dakota.
• Indiana Corn Marketing Council: Indiana's state corn checkoff body administering a per-bushel assessment for research, promotion, and market development — directly analogous to the SDCUC's funding and program model.
• Kansas Corn Growers Association: State corn grower and checkoff organization in an adjacent Plains state with overlapping commodity profile, ethanol exposure, and policy interests relevant to South Dakota corn farmers.
• Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association: Combined state commodity association providing corn and wheat checkoff administration plus policy advocacy; offers a useful comparison for SD Corn's joint grower-association / checkoff structure.

Others

• U.S. Grains Council: International market-development organization funded in part by SDCUC checkoff dollars to build export demand for U.S. corn. Operates as an upstream/downstream peer in the corn-demand ecosystem that South Dakota Corn supports.
• American Coalition for Ethanol: Grassroots ethanol advocacy organization listed as a core partner of South Dakota Corn. Comparable in mission as an ag-commodity advocacy coalition, though focused on the ethanol value-chain rather than corn producers directly.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sdcorn
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/sdcorn
• Facebookfacebook.com/southdakotacorn
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/south-dakota-corn-growers-association
• Instagraminstagram.com/sd_corn

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about South Dakota Corn