Chris Koch doesn’t let limitations or obstacles stand in his way. Despite being born without arms and legs, Koch grew up like any other small-town kid — playing road hockey, causing mischief at school, and helping out on his family farm. Neither he or his family treated his disability like a tragedy, and instead used it to fuel his dreams. Today, Koch is a motivational speaker who inspires his audiences to continually challenge themselves and build the life they dream of.

Born in Lethbridge, Alberta, Koch was raised in the small farming and ranching community of Nanton, Alberta. Early on, he learned that he would not be raised with pity or sympathy. Sure, he had to do things a little differently and some tasks took him a little longer to complete than others, but he was determined to be just like the rest and was always treated just like the rest. After all, he still had a good head on his shoulders and with that, anything is possible.

Koch loves sharing his story and spreading his message of, “If I Can…” An avid traveler, marathoner, and farmer, his presentation reflects his full life. Simply put, Koch says, if I can do what I’ve done so far in my life, what’s stopping others from doing the same?

Greg Ibach is the Under Secretary-in-Residence at the University of Nebraska Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. During the Trump Administration, Mr. Ibach served as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. Prior to joining USDA, Mr. Ibach led Nebraska’s Department of Agriculture for 13 years, making him the longest serving director in the organization’s history.

The farm bill, which primarily affects the USDA, is passed roughly every five years, and has a tremendous impact on farmers and ranchers across the country. The current farm bill will expire in 2023 and discussions are already underway to plan for the next one. Most expect conservation and climate programs to be heavily emphasized in the next farm bill and many worry an emphasis on new, climate related efforts will ignore proven conservation practices already in place. In South Dakota, many farmers and ranchers currently use sustainable practices on their land, such as rotational grazing, no-till farming, buffer strips, or cover crops. Mr. Ibach will explain how producers who incorporate new and existing conservation practices in their operations could be recognized and rewarded for their efforts by the next farm bill. He will also discuss reimagining federal conservation programs and how producers can use outcome driven data to enhance their operation while protecting and preserving our environment and natural resources.

Hunter Roberts currently serves South Dakota as the Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. In August 2019, he began leading the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in its mission to protect public health and the environment. One year later, Governor Noem announced her plans to merge the Departments of Agriculture and Environment and Natural Resources into the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) and tapped Hunter to lead the merger and the new department. Now operating as a single agency, DANR’s mission is to protect and preserve agriculture, environment, and natural resources through effective regulatory services, natural resource conservation, and financial and technical assistance.

He began his career in public service with the Governor's Office of Economic Development in 2007 as the Assistant State Energy Director. Soon after, he transitioned to the Energy Policy Director where he led the state's efforts to promote business development in power generation, energy production, and clean energy manufacturing until the end of 2014.

Hunter then went on to serve as a policy advisor to Governor Dennis Daugaard where he worked on issues related to transportation, agriculture, energy, environment, land management, and outdoor resources. Most recently, Hunter served as the deputy secretary and director of labor and management at the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Through service, communication, collaboration, and hard work, Hunter strives to lead by example and truly believes in the power of a “can-do” attitude.

Hunter holds a master's degree in business administration and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of South Dakota.

A South Dakota native, Hunter resides in Pierre with his wife and two children. He is a 5th generation South Dakota farmer and rancher, who owns and operates a diversified grain and cow-calf farm and ranch southeast of Ft. Pierre with his family.