Farm Credit Services of America has committed to establishing an endowed faculty position in swine production within the South Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences.

The $1.5 million gift will support the nation's first endowed position in swine production. The endowment was announced at South Dakota’s 51st annual Pork Congress Jan. 15 in Sioux Falls.

"Pork production provides an excellent opportunity for young people to be able to return to the family farm. We have an impressive number of our SDSU graduates making a positive difference in an industry that offers them fulfilling career opportunities. A gift such as the Farm Credit Services of America endowment helps us support the growing, dynamic pork industry in South Dakota into the future and continue making an impact on both our current and future students," says John Killefer, South Dakota Corn endowed dean of the College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences.

The endowment will support faculty conducting research and SDSU Extension programs as well. The gift is a continuation of the legacy of the Swine Education & Research Facility built by producers and allied industry partners, SDSU said in its announcement.

South Dakota has seen recent significant growth in both sow and finishing pig numbers, SDSU says, noting that as of December 2019, South Dakota ranks eighth in the nation for the number of finishing pigs.

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