May 18, 2026:
Jerry Schmitz of Vermillion has been named the 2026 South Dakota Governor’s Ag Ambassador.
The recognition honors outstanding leadership, service and advocacy within South Dakota’s agriculture industry.
A lifelong farmer and respected agricultural leader, Schmitz has served the state’s producers for decades. He was a founding member of the South Dakota Soybean Association and later held leadership roles at both the state and national levels, including with the American Soybean Association. His work helped expand market opportunities, advance research and innovation, strengthen collaboration across the agricultural industry, and represent South Dakota agriculture on the global stage.
Governor Larry Rhoden said Schmitz has devoted his life to advancing agriculture. His leadership, vision and dedication have “helped drive innovation, expand opportunities for producers, and strengthen South Dakota’s number one industry.”
Schmitz will receive the Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award during the 2026 Governor’s Ag Summit June 25 in Pierre. The annual Summit brings together farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and industry partners from across South Dakota to learn, network and celebrate agriculture. The event is free and open to the public; however, pre-registration is required.
For event information and to register, please visit https://danr.sd.gov/AgSummit/default.aspx.
March 30, 2026:
Governor Larry Rhoden invites farmers, ranchers, and agriculture leaders from across South Dakota to join him in Pierre on June 25–26 for the 2026 Governor’s Ag Summit. The annual event provides an opportunity for South Dakota’s agricultural community to come together, learn from one another, and celebrate the state’s #1 industry.
“Agriculture is the backbone of South Dakota’s economy and way of life,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “Our farmers, ranchers, and ag businesses keep us strong and drive opportunity across our state. As a lifelong West River rancher, I look forward to welcoming the ag community to Pierre for this year’s Ag Summit.”
This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Grey Zabel, Seattle Seahawks rookie offensive guard and 2026 Super Bowl LX champion. A Pierre native, Zabel will share how growing up in South Dakota and the lessons learned working on his family’s farm, helped build the character and work ethic that carried him to success in the NFL. He will also discuss his plans to continue his family’s farming tradition in the years ahead.
The two-day event includes a full day of presentations on June 25 and industry tours on June 26. The event is free, and attendance is open to the public; however, pre-registration is required.
For more information and to register for the Governor’s Ag Summit, please visit: https://danr.sd.gov/
For any additional information, please contact Brian Faris at 605.773.5559 or Brian.Faris@state.sd.us.
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