Contact Us

Mike Jaspers, Secretary of Agriculture

South Dakota Department of Agriculture
523 East Capitol Avenue
Joe Foss Building, 3rd Floor
Pierre, SD 57501
605.773.5425

Alphabetical Staff Directory

Office of the Secretary

Dustin Oedeknoven

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Mike Jaspers, Secretary of Agriculture
523 E Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-3182
Phone: 605.773.5425
Fax: 605.773.5926
Email: agmail@state.sd.us
Office hours - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time

The Secretary of Agriculture is appointed by the Governor and is responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of agricultural policy within state government.

The Office of the Secretary facilitates:

  • Department Administration, Budget and Policy
  • Information Dissemination
  • Legislative Support

Staff Directory

 

Agricultural Development

 

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Vacant, Division Director
523 E Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-3182
Phone: 605.773.5436
Fax: 605.773.3481
Email: agmail@state.sd.us Office hours - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time

The Division of Agricultural Development assists with the development and promotion of agriculture and agricultural products in the state of South Dakota.

Division responsibilities include:

  • Finance
  • Crop and Livestock Marketing
  • Business Development Programs

Staff Directory

 

Agricultural Services

 

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Taya Runyan, Division Director
523 E Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-3182
Phone: 605.773.4432
Fax: 605.773.3481
Email: sddaagronomy@state.sd.us
Office hours - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time

Tom Gere, Assistant Division Director
523 E Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-3182
Phone: 605.773.4432
Fax: 605.773.3481
Email: sddaagronomy@state.sd.us
Office hours - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time

The Division of Agricultural Services develops policy and legislation to ensure agricultural commodities will be eligible for export from South Dakota.

  • Protects the environmental and public health by effective enforcement of statutes and rules
  • Protects South Dakota producers and consumers of agricultural products from unsafe actions, product misrepresentation and unfair trade practices.

Three program offices comprise this Division: The Office of Agronomy Services, Office of Plant Industry, and the Office of Dairy and Egg.

To provide effective enforcement of statutes and rules, Agricultural Services ensures coordination and communication with producers, land owners/managers and agricultural business.

Division responsibilities include:

  • Staff Directory

 

Scott Schelske, Dairy Program Manager / Dairy Plant Compliance Specialist

Brenda Sievers, Plant Industry Manager (Huron)

 

Resource Conservation & Forestry

Bill Smith

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Bill Smith, Division Director
523 E Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-3182
Phone: 605.773.3623
Fax: 605.773.4003
Email: SDRCF@state.sd.us
Office hours - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time

 




 

 

Greg Josten

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Greg Josten, State Forester
3305 W. South Street
Rapid City, SD 57702
Phone: 605.394.2395
Fax: 605.394.2549
Email: SDRCF@state.sd.us
Office hours - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time

 

 

The mission of the Division of Resource Conservation and Forestry is to conserve, protect, improve and develop the natural resources of South Dakota for its citizens.

Division responsibilities include:

  • Resource Conservation
  • Community Forestry
  • Forest Health
  • Service Forestry Programs

Staff Directory

Wildland Fire

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Jay Esperance, Division Director
3305 West South Street
Rapid City, SD 57702
Phone: 605.393.8011
Fax: 605.393.8044

Office Hours - 8:00am - 5:00pm Mountain Time

Staff Directory
 

State Fair Park

Peggy Woolridge Besch

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Peggy Besch, State Fair Manager
1060 3rd St. SW
Huron, SD 57350
Phone: 605.353.7340
Toll-Free in South Dakota: 800.529.0900
Fax: 605.353.7348
Office hours - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time

The first South Dakota State Fair was held September 29 through October 2, 1885. It moved around to various cities throughout South Dakota until making Huron a permanent home in 1905.

The State Fair Park Division works with the State Fair Advisory Commission, whose 13 members are appointed by the Governor, to plan and manage one of the biggest annual events in our state every year.

Division responsibilities include:

  • State Fair Planning & Management
  • Building Maintenance
  • Marketing & Events Coordination
  • Camping & Competitive Exhibits Coordination
  • State Fair Foundation Coordination
  • State Fair Advisory Commission Coordination

Staff Directory

 

 

 


Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your valued comments, suggestions, requests and ideas regarding South Dakota agriculture. For your convenience, please find specific contact information and staff directories listed above.

Messages will be received by the Public Affairs Manager and forwarded to the appropriate division. We will return your message as soon as possible.