The South Dakota Cattleman’s Foundation postponed its annual Prime Time Gala until next year, but it is still donating money from the event.

The Prime Time Gala — a ticketed banquet and country western concert held in Sioux falls, S.D., in June — has raised more than $250,000 annually for Feeding South Dakota, a food assistance organization, and the SDCF’s scholarship programs.

The event won’t be held this year due to COVID-19, but thanks to continued support from sponsors, SDCF is making an initial $150,000 donation to Feeding South Dakota anyway.

 Hubbard Feeds, one of the leading Prime Time Gala sponsored, also donated $5,000.

Pork rib donations

Farmers Union Enterprises recently donated 150,000 pounds of pork ribs to South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana and Wisconsin food pantries. The pork ribs are from Redwood Farms, Esterville, Iowa, one of FUE’s businesses. Redwood Farms supplies premium pork products to high-end restaurants in New York, Chicago and other U.S. cities.

With many restaurants closed due to COVID-19, Redwood Farms saw a sharp decline in demand. “We needed to make room in the freezers otherwise we’d have to stop production. That would mean job losses. Donating allows us to help others and keep our employee team working,” said Doug Sombke, a Conde, S.D., farmer, FUE’s board of directors chairman and South Dakota Farmers Union president.

Beef Bucks donations

The Coteau Hills Cattlemen, Watertown, S.D., recently gave away Beef Bucks to help consumers buy beef during the coronavirus pandemic.

The group received donations from Hamlin County Livestock Improvement Association and Pheasants Forever Dry Lake Chapter #485 to support the project.

Disaster loans available

Applications for the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance programs are now available for agricultural businesses with 500 or fewer employees.

The programs will provide low interest loans up to $2 million and grants up to $10,000.

“The amendment signed by President Trump allows farmers, ranchers and other agricultural businesses to apply for relief,” says Doug Goehring, North Dakota agriculture commissioner. “I encourage eligible applicants to quickly apply as the funding is on a first-come, first-served basis.”

Ag businesses will need to show they have been affected by the economic downturn caused by COVID-19. For more information, visit covid19relief.sba.gov to apply. Ag businesses who had previously submitted their applications before the legislative change need not reapply.