Anthem Oats: A Family Legacy of Excellence and Community Impact in South Dakota
Taylor and Cassandra Sumption with boxes of Anthem Oats in a warehouse.
Anthem Oats, The Sumption Family's fifth-generation operation, started in the small town of Frederick but has grown beyond the South Dakota borders. Focusing on quality nutrient-dense oats from the planning and production to the farming operations itself, the family has been recognized in several local news resources including Aberdeen American News.
Feeding South Dakota is a name well recognized. The program works across the state to provide quality food for individuals and families in the communities. However, it wouldn’t be successful without the donations received from local businesses like Anthem Oats.
Adding to their success and list of accomplishments, Anthem Oats is one of the 2024 recipients of the South Dakota Hall of Fame’s Acts of Excellence award.
Doug Sombke with the South Dakota Farmers Union says, “Since 1882, the family has grown oats using regenerative practices, benefiting the environment, and using a farm-to-table business model. Their dedication to agriculture and ability to guide the next generation to chase their dreams demonstrates the characteristics necessary for the Acts of Excellence award.”
Selling products to several states across the midwest and even shipping nationwide through online sources like Amazon, Anthem Oats has products including instant oatmeal, minute oats, steel cut, and microwavable cups that come in a variety of flavors.
The five Sumption brothers, Taylor, Mark, Eric, Chris, and Warren manage all aspects of the operation. “The family has a unique business in a unique place, and their commitment to their community is inspiring,” Laura Ptacek with Friends of SDPB adds.
Anthem Oats has really built a local presence and partners with local growers, commodity cooperatives, and distributors playing an important role in maintaining vitality.
In addition to providing a great consumer product, donating to local charities and organizations, Anthem Oats maintains an educational healthy farming operation. Executive Director for SD Corn DaNita Murray explains, “Oats are an excellent rotation crop, helping, for instance, to disrupt insect and disease patterns.”
Education has been something that the family has been proud to support in their operation. With their unique efforts to maintain soil health, the family does everything together. They’ve been quoted saying, “Together we can accomplish so much more than if we were farming alone” which illustrates a commitment to their values, each other, and agriculture according to Doug.
To learn more about Anthem Oats or shop their products visit AnthemOats.com