Office of
the Secretary
Our Mission
To protect and preserve agriculture, environment, and natural resources through effective regulatory services, natural resource conservation, and financial and technical assistance.
Our Vision
A South Dakota with a prosperous economy, diverse agricultural opportunities, clean air, clean water, and healthy families.
Integrity
Integrity through transparent government services and science-based decision making.
Excellence
Excellence through hiring, developing, and empowering highly engaged and well-trained employees.
Customer Service
Customer Service through consistent, timely, and professional interactions with everyone we meet.
Governors Agricultural Summit
The Governor's Agricultural Summit (Ag Summit) brings together policymakers, industry leaders, producers, and prospective farmers from across South Dakota to share their experiences and develop personal connections. Each year, the Ag Summit includes an ag-economic market outlook, policy updates, and a message from the Governor. The annual Ag Summit also recognizes a producer who has contributed to their community and the agricultural industry. The recipient is selected by Governor Noem, and they are awarded the Governor's Ag Ambassador award at the Ag Summit.
Ag Ambassador Award
Governor Kristi Noem is pleased to recognize an individual or organization that has made a positive contribution to South Dakota's agricultural industry.
South Dakotans have long valued servant leadership, hard work, honesty, humility, and respect for others. This award recognizes a South Dakota citizen who embodies these qualities.
Submit your nomination for the Governor's Ag Ambassador award.
Key Achievements of the Ag Ambassador
- - Provides visionary leadership to South Dakota's agricultural industry.
- - Champions growth and prosperity of the state's number one industry.
- - Advocates for agriculture and the responsible stewardship of livestock and land.
- - Highlights the significance of South Dakota
- - Influences decision makers to develop and implement sound agricultural policies.
Previous Ag Ambassador Award Recipients
2023 - Nef and Gonzenbach Families
2022 - Walt Bones
2021 - Jeff Lakner
2019 - Paul Casper
2018 - Roger Scheibe
2017 - Lake Area Tech
2016 - Michelle Rook
2015 - Dr. Bob Thaler
2014 - Brad Greenway
2013 - Mike Held
2012- Jim Woster
2011- Dr. Dan Gee
Farm and Ranch Recognition Program
The farm and ranch has long been the cornerstone of South Dakota history. None more perhaps than the farms and ranches we honor as South Dakota Century and Quasquicentennial Farms and Ranches. The families that own and work these acres have done so for 100, 125, or 150 years or longer.
If your family has retained ownership of a farm or ranch for 100, 125, or 150 years or more in South Dakota, and if the farm or ranch consists of a minimum of 80 acres of the original farmland, you may be interested in having your farm designated as a Century/Quasquicentennial Farm or Ranch. To do so, follow the link below to download and print the application. After completion, mail to the South Dakota Farm bureau office in Huron. The address is provided on the application.