May 28, 2026:
The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources has finalized the speaker lineup and tour locations for the 2026 South Dakota Governor’s Agricultural Summit June 25–26 at the Larkspur Landing Event Center in Pierre.
The two-day event brings together agricultural leaders, producers, industry partners and stakeholders from across the state to connect, collaborate and address key challenges and opportunities shaping South Dakota agriculture.
Lineup for Thursday, June 25
DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts will open the Summit with welcome remarks to set the stage for the day’s discussions.
Governor Larry Rhoden will provide a policy update and present the 2026 Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award to Jerry Schmitz in recognition of his outstanding contributions to South Dakota agriculture.
The keynote address will be delivered by Grey Zabel, rookie offensive guard for the Seattle Seahawks and 2026 Super Bowl LX champion. A native of Pierre, Zabel will discuss how his South Dakota upbringing and experiences working on his family’s farm shaped the character and work ethic that propelled him to the NFL, as well as his commitment to continuing his family’s agricultural legacy.
A Conservation Roundtable will convene
- Secretary Hunter Roberts, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (moderator)
- Secretary Kevin Robling, Department of Game, Fish, and Parks
- Paul Lorenzen, DANR Watershed Protection Administrator
- Tate Lantz, NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations
- Angela Ehlers, Executive Director, SD Association of Conservation Districts
An Ag Economic Outlook session, presented by David Widmar, agricultural economist and co-founder and managing partner of Agricultural Economic Insights, LLC, will examine current economic conditions and emerging trends affecting the agricultural industry.
An Ag Development Panel will feature leaders from major agricultural development projects across the state, offering insight into why they chose to invest in South Dakota and their outlook for the state’s agricultural and economic future. Panelists include:
- Commissioner Bill Even, Governor’s Office of Economic Development
- Jim Monroe, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Smithfield Foods
- Jake Anderson, Project Director, Bel Brands USA
- Tom Kersting, CEO, South Dakota Soybean Processors and High Plains Processing
A Lobbyist Panel will provide an inside look at South Dakota’s legislative process and how agricultural priorities are represented. Panelists include:
- Deputy Secretary Brian Walsh, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (moderator)
- Brenda Forman, Executive Director, South Dakota Association of Cooperatives
- Matthew Bogue, State Public Policy Director, South Dakota Farm Bureau
Tour Locations for Friday, June 26
- South Dakota State University Dakota Lakes Research Farm
- Puris, a regional pea protein processing facility
Registration for the Governor’s Ag Summit remains open. The event is free and open to the entire agricultural community; however, pre‑registration is required.
For more information or to register, please visit: https://danr.sd.gov/
For additional inquiries, please contact Brian Faris at 605.773.5559 or brian.faris@state.sd.us.
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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