2024 Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community Announced

Aug 22, 2024

By Angela Loftesness

The South Dakota State University colleges of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and Education and Human Sciences honor Brad Greenway, of Mitchell; Floyd Hansmeier, of Bristol; Steven Rommereim, of Alcester, and Pam Geppert, of Kimball, with the 2024 Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community Award.

For nearly a century, this time-honored award has recognized South Dakotans for their contributions of leadership and service on the local, state and national levels.

“Giving back is a timeless tradition. Now more than ever it is important to recognize those individuals who, through their devotion to our communities and our state, have made a difference,” said Joseph Cassady, South Dakota Corn Endowed Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. “I look forward to this opportunity each year to acknowledge those individuals who have had a sustained positive impact on our communities and state.”

Established in 1927, the annual award formerly known as the Eminent Farmer/Rancher and Homemaker Award is a true South Dakota tradition with a legacy of more than 300 recipients.

SDSU selects individuals to honor based on confidential nominations. The nominations are reviewed, and honorees are recommended by a committee of faculty members, administrators, SDSU Extension personnel and past award recipients. The honorees are approved by the deans of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and the College of Education and Human Sciences.

“A university is an organization driven to serve its community. We function as a collective of like-minded and purpose-driven individuals. Recognizing the extraordinary efforts of these South Dakotans dedicated to making our communities, state and nation better for the future is the least we can do,” said Evan Ortlieb, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences.

Celebrate South Dakota’s Eminent Leaders Sept. 20

The 2024 award recipients will be recognized during a banquet held at the McCrory Gardens Education and Visitor Center on the SDSU campus Sept. 20. During the banquet, portraits of the award recipients will be unveiled. These portraits will be displayed in a virtual gallery on the Eminent Leaders webpage.

To attend the Sept. 20 recognition banquet and program, visit the Eventbrite event page or go to the Eventbrite homepage and search for Eminent Leaders events in Brookings to purchase tickets. Tickets need to be purchased on or before Sept. 6. The banquet begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by a recognition program at 6:30 p.m.

Source : sdstate.edu

Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.