The South Dakota Wheat Growers Association (SDWGA) is pleased to announce that Jennifer Scharpe has been named executive director, effective October 1, 2025.
Scharpe brings more than 15 years of experience leading agricultural education and producer organizations and has a lifelong connection to production agriculture.
Scharpe previously served as executive director of Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom where she expanded program reach to more than 350,000 students, teachers, and families annually and secured over $1.4 million in public and private funding to grow agricultural literacy programs. Her career also includes leadership roles with the American Gelbvieh Association, the North American Limousin Foundation, and her own communications freelance business, JSignature Branding & Media, where she works with producers to enhance marketing and brand visibility. A graduate of Iowa State University with a master’s in journalism and mass communication and a bachelor’s degree in animal and range science from North Dakota State University, Scharpe is passionate about connecting people to agriculture and supporting the long-term success of farmers and rural communities.
“I am honored to join the South Dakota Wheat Growers Association and serve the farmers who are the backbone of the state’s agricultural economy,” said Scharpe. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation of education, communication, and advocacy that Caren Assman, and others before her, have so well established for this organization.”
The SDWGA Board and membership extend their deepest appreciation and congratulations to Caren Assman, who has retired after many years of dedicated service to South Dakota’s wheat producers. During her tenure, Caren made many valuable contributions to the association including expanding the Wheat Advantage newsletter to an eight-page publication reaching 5,000 readers, launching the South Dakota Wheat Yield Contest, and leading countless educational initiatives for growers – from the early Wheat Walks field tours to the more recent Rotate Into Profit seminars. She will continue working into December to help organize the annual Ag Horizons Conference on December 2, 2025, and to assist with the leadership transition.
“Caren’s contributions to SDWGA and South Dakota agriculture have been extraordinary,” said Doug Simmons, SDWGA president. “Her passion for grower education and advocacy has made a lasting impact, and we wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement.”
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