After nearly 27 years of service to South Dakota’s oilseed growers, Tom Young has retired as executive director of the South Dakota Oilseeds Council, effective June 30, 2026. Jennifer Scharpe has stepped into the role, joining the Council on May 1, 2026, and worked alongside Young through a two-month transition.
Young’s history with the Oilseeds Council dates back to 1999, when he was appointed to serve on the Council’s board of directors. He spent nearly two decades in that role before being named executive director in 2018, a position he has held for the past eight years.
Young’s influence reached well beyond South Dakota’s oilseed industry. From 2000 to 2014, he served 14 years on the National Sunflower Association Board of Directors, including two years as president, from December 2010 to December 2012, followed by two years as chairman.
“Tom Young provided 14 years of dedicated service to the National Sunflower Association Board of Directors,” said John Sandbakken, executive director of the National Sunflower Association. “During his time on the Board, he served as president and chairman. His leadership, knowledge, and steady commitment have made a lasting difference in the lives of farmers, colleagues, and the entire sunflower community.”
Young also served on the South Dakota Wheat Growers Association Board of Directors and the National Association of Wheat Growers Board, and was deeply involved with the South Dakota Pulse Growers — a reflection of just how far his influence stretched across South Dakota agriculture.
Scharpe continues to serve as executive director of the South Dakota Wheat Growers Association alongside her new role at the Oilseeds Council. She brings 16 years of nonprofit leadership and agricultural communications experience, including nearly eight years leading an Agriculture in the Classroom program in Colorado.
“Tom spent close to three decades building this industry, and I’m proud to continue that work and help grow what he started for oilseed producers across South Dakota,” Scharpe said. “I’m grateful for the time he took to walk me through this role, and I’m looking forward to getting to know oilseed growers the way I’ve gotten to know wheat growers this past year.”
The South Dakota Oilseeds Council supports the production, development, marketing, and promotion of sunflowers, safflowers, canola, and flax grown in South Dakota, working to strengthen the state’s oilseed economy for growers and processors alike.
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