The South Dakota Agricultural and Rural Leadership Foundation has selected the inaugural recipients of two biennial awards recognizing outstanding leadership and extraordinary contributions to agriculture and rural communities. For the first time in the organization’s 25-year history, SDARL will honor a Distinguished Graduate and a Friend of SDARL—two individuals whose impact has strengthened the industry and inspired countless leaders across South Dakota and beyond.
Both honorees, Denny Everson and Walt Bones, will be celebrated at SDARL’s Silver Anniversary Banquet & Class XIII Legacy Leadership Orientation Dec. 5, 2025, in Brookings. The event will mark a milestone moment for the organization’s 25-year history of developing, inspiring, and connecting agricultural leaders.
“These awards shine a spotlight on the very best of South Dakota agriculture,” said Janelle Booth, CEO of SDARL. “Walt and Denny embody leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to our industry. We are honored to celebrate their remarkable legacies and their continued impact on agricultural leadership.”
The SDARL Distinguished Graduate Award and Friend of SDARL Award will be presented every two years. Nominations are open to the public.
Distinguished Graduate Award: Walt Bones
Courtesy photo.
SDARL Class II alumnus Walt Bones has been named the first Distinguished Graduate honoree. A fourth-generation producer, Bones grew up on the family farm homesteaded in 1879 southwest of Sioux Falls. He dedicated more than 45 years to farming and ranching alongside his two brothers, a brother-in-law, and three nephews on a diversified corn, soybean, beef and dairy farm. His leadership journey includes serving as South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture and contributing to numerous agricultural boards and statewide initiatives that have strengthened communities, influenced policy, and created opportunities for future producers.
Bones’ contributions have earned widespread recognition, including the SD Farm Bureau Friend of Agriculture (2025), South Dakota State University’s Eminent Leader in Agriculture, Family and Community (2022), Governor Noem’s Ag Ambassador (2022), and induction to the South Dakota Hall of Fame (2023). Bones and his wife Jan have three children and six grandchildren.
“Walt’s enduring commitment to agriculture has shaped generations of producers,” said former SDARL Executive Director Dan Gee. “His foresight and leadership have supported family farm growth, inspired progress, and motivated emerging leaders across the industry.”
Friend of SDARL Award: Denny Everson
Courtesy photo.
Denny Everson has been selected as the inaugural Friend of SDARL Award recipient. A visionary in agricultural finance, Everson originated the idea of SDARL and worked with the South Dakota Livestock Foundation Board of Directors in the late 1990s to make the program a reality. He went on to chair the SDARL Board of Directors and served as the Executive Director for two years.
Everson’s career positions include Executive Director of Branch Administration of First Dakota National Bank, President of First Dakota National Bank’s Ag Finance Division, and Instructor and Consultant for the National Native American Finance System.
Everson’s contributions have been celebrated with many honors, including South Dakota State University Distinguished Alumnus (1999), the SD Corn Growers MVP of Agriculture Award (2010), the SD Pork Producers Distinguished Service Award (1998), and induction to the South Dakota Hall of Fame (2015). Everson and his wife Jan reside in Mitchell and have four children and twelve grandchildren.
“Denny Everson has left a lasting legacy on agriculture,” said Nate Franzen, Ag Banking President at First Dakota National Bank and SDARL Class I alumnus. “His leadership built an ever-growing Ag Banking team that ranks as a national leader in ag finance. As the founder of the South Dakota Ag and Rural Leadership program he laid the foundation for the most impactful ag organization in our state. Most of all, he is a high-integrity family man driven by his passion for agriculture and the people involved within.”
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