A woman from the Fort Pierre area is among the finalists for the 2025 Dakotafest Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year Award.
Crystal Neuharth and her husband Levi took over management of Prairie Paradise Farms from Levi’s father in 2016. Crystal’s nominator said, “She is a dedicated farmer, mother and advocate for conservation. She works hard to educate her rural community on the importance of agricultural literacy, engaging farmers and neighbors alike to recognize the micro-to-macro benefits of conservation on their farm, and beyond.”
The five finalists are:
-
Crystal Neuharth, Fort Pierre
-
Shelby Boomsma, Hitchcock
-
Fran Fritz, Iroquios
-
Leanne Wieczorek, Mount Verson
-
Shannon Kubik, Hamill
The 2025 Dakotafest Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year Award winner will be announced Thursday (Aug. 21, 2025) during a session that begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Dakotafest Education Building. The Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year will receive a $1,000 cash prize along with recognition of all her hard work and accomplishments.
Crystal Neuharth, Fort Pierre
Crystal Neuharth.
Courtesy photo.
Crystal Neuharth and her husband lease their farm from her husband’s father. When they took over management of the Farm in 2016, they noticed regenerative practices helped lessen the risks of volatile markets and weather. Crystal and her family make decisions for their operation’s sustainability based on the five principles of soil health. Her family raise diverse livestock; what began as a source of milk for one of their children with allergies is now a herd of a couple hundred dairy goats. The goat herd also operates as 4-H projects for their three children. They have three children whom they homeschool on the farm.
Crystal and her husband are dedicated members of the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition. Their farm was honored with a Leopold Conservation Award by the Sand County Foundation in 2021. Active in a variety of agricultural and community organizations, their farm hosts a Family Day in May where visitors partake in hands-on educational stations on topics such as livestock, insects, germinating seeds, soil layers, and grain identification. With assistance from the USDA-NRCS and their local conservation district, they have planted nearly 20 miles of trees to create wildlife habitat – truly living up to their farm’s name.
Shelby Boomsma, Hitchcock
Shelby Boomsma.
Courtesy photo.
Shelby was born and raised at Elkton Lake Benton, where she spent her childhood. She attended Mitchell Technical College, earning her degree as a Precision Technology Specialist. During college, she met her husband, and the two now reside in Hitchcock as part of his family farm. They have been blessed with two beautiful daughters, who occasionally accompany her in the cab of the tractor.
As part owner of a harvesting company, Shelby actively contributes by driving the grain cart and combine, often having the kids with her, showcasing her commitment to family and farm life. She also helps move machinery from one field to another, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, she takes the initiative to provide meals in the field, fostering camaraderie and keeping everyone well-fed during busy days. Shelby is a passionate educator, constantly sharing her knowledge and insights about agriculture with others, helping to bridge the gap between producers and consumers.
Shelby’s nominator said, “Her ability to seamlessly integrate family life with farm work underscores her suitability for this prestigious award, celebrating her contributions and sacrifices in advancing farming and family values.”
Fran Fritz, Iroquios
Fran Fritz.
Courtesy photo.
Fran lives on her family farm near Iroquois, South Dakota and now is the owner and operator of the family farm. She attended grade school and high school in Iroquois and graduated from SDSU with a major in Animal Science and a minor in Dairy Science. After her college graduation she took over the management and operation of the family farm. In 1988 she ceased the dairy operation and increased her beef herd. As the sole operator she is responsible for herd management, building and mending fences, mowing and baling hay, accounting, housework, yard work and all the day-to-day operations of a ranch/farm.
Fran has been the Belle Prairie Township Board clerk for 12 years. She has also been involved in the Beadle County Conservation District, South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts and the National Association of Conservation Districts. She has served as supervisor on the Beadle County Conservation Board, all the offices on the South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts and was the first woman president of the South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts. She represented South Dakota on the National Association of Conservation Districts and served on several of the national committees.
Fran’s nominator said, “She is honest, hardworking, friendly, and intelligent person. Fran truly enjoys ranching/farming and is very passionate about her occupation. She takes obstacles and turns them into opportunity.” They shared Fran’s words of wisdom for young women in ag, “Just start small and try it. Women can be ranchers/farmers just like men, we may do it different but we can get it done. Just keep trying.”
Leanne Wieczorek, Mount Vernon
Leanne Wieczorek.
Courtesy photo.
Leanne was raised on a family farm outside of Corsica, SD. At various times they had pigs, beef, and dairy cattle as well as raised crops. She graduated from Corsica High school and then University of Sioux Falls with a degree in elementary education. She taught for a few years before staying home to start a family. She raised three daughters who grew up to love living in the country. Leanne and her husband, Curt grow soybeans, corn and alfalfa. Job titles change according to the day. She is the key delivery service for: seed, fertilizer, tools and parts in the spring.
She has taken on much more responsibility as the farm moved from a family partnership to a husband/wife team. The farm was originally homesteaded and has been in the family for over 125 years! During harvest, you will either find her in the grain cart or the combine. Despite all of those job titles, she plans and organizes a meals on wheels program. The couple have a registered limousine herd and host an annual production sale. Whether it is assisting with calving, working pairs, hauling cattle to grass, or getting ready for sale, she works beside her husband. Leanne is encouraging to other young women who are starting their lives as farmers wives. She has also been to various events with the Limousine breed and she has served on her local South Dakota Town and Townships board.
Leanne’s nominator said, “She has worn multiple hats over the years tirelessly contributing to her family farm/ranch while also participating in her church and community. She builds community with other young women around her to encourage them in their farming journey.”
Shannon Kubik, Hamill
Shannon Kubik.
Courtesy photo.
Shannon and her husband are proudly raising their two sons on the family farm in Hamill, SD. She was raised in rural Nebraska, where she developed her foundational love for agriculture before pursuing higher education at Nebraska Wesleyan University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication (2008-2012) after graduating from Amherst High School. Her professional journey began at Producers Hybrids as a Communications Specialist, followed by leadership roles at LG Seeds where she played a pivotal role in unifying six regional seed brands into the new LG Seeds in 2018. She continued advancing through positions at AgReliant Genetics, LLC and Hoegemeyer Hybrids before joining Millborn Seeds in Brookings, SD, where she rose from Director of Marketing to President of their retail brand, Renovo Seed, and ultimately served as Chief of Staff to the CEO.
She brings a distinct corporate perspective to the farm, focusing on business management and growth. In addition to the farm, Shannon helps her in-laws at the family hunting lodge (Antler Ridge Lodge). Through these interactions, she serves as a bridge between agricultural and business communities. Her impact has been recognized at the national level, including being named to Seed World Magazine’s Top 20 Under 30 in the Seed Industry (2019). Her completion of the South Dakota Ag & Rural Leadership program (Class XI) and service on the First Dakota Ag Advisory Board demonstrate her commitment to continuous learning and giving back to the agricultural community.
Shannon’s nominator said, “She represents the future of agricultural leadership—someone who can operate effectively in boardrooms and farmyards, who understands both profit margins and soil health, and who refuses to accept that farm families must choose between staying on the land and influencing industry direction. Her work ensures that those who “live the farm life every single day” have a voice in shaping agriculture’s future.”
Comments