The Governor's Agricultural Summit brings together leaders in business, finance, education, government and production agriculture to demonstrate agriculture's comparative advantages and discuss ways to harness the industry's potential for economic development. In addition, the Governor's Ag Ambassador is recognized for their contributions to South Dakota's agricultural industry.
The 2020 Governor’s Agricultural Summit that will be held open on July 17-18 in Sioux Falls, SD.
Welcome and What's Driving Agriculture the Year Ahead
Livestock Development Projects - What You Need to Know - To view presentation slides, click here.
Session 3
Agriculture Update from DC with USDA Deputy Secretary Steve Censky
Session 4
Explaining Agriculture to Eaters - Three Simple Steps - To view presentation slides, click here.
Session 5
Great Challenges Bring Exciting Opportunities
Session 6
The Next Generation of Agriculture Panel
Past Agendas
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.
The 2020 Ag Ambassador will be recognized at a special award luncheon during the Governor's Agricultural Summit on July 17th and 18th in Sioux Falls.
Paul Casper Receives 2019 Governor's Ag
Ambassador Award
PIERRE, S.D.- Governor Kristi Noem today named Paul Casper of Lake Preston as the 2019 Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award recipient. He will be recognized at the annual Governor’s Agricultural Summit in Sioux Falls on July 11.
"Paul Casper embodies hard work, honesty, and humility, said Governor Noem. "Paul’s visionary leadership has increased processing opportunities for farmers and communities across South Dakota. He is one of our state’s strongest agricultural ambassadors, and I'm proud to recognize him with this well-deserved award."
Paul has worked diligently and optimistically to advance agriculture in our state," said Secretary of Agriculture Kim Vanneman. “He has dedicated much of his life to finding solutions that will improve life for South Dakota’s producers, as well as others across our state, nation, and world.”
Casper grew up on his family farm in Lake Preston, SD, where he farms today with his son, Drew. Over the years, Casper has been a key player in South Dakota’s soybean industry. He was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the South Dakota Soybean Processors Cooperative, the first soybean processing cooperative in South Dakota. He also served as the president of the South Dakota Soybean Association and lobbied both the South Dakota legislature and the U.S. Congress on behalf of agriculture. Casper has worked diligently to help protect South Dakota’s natural resources, including serving on the River Basin Natural Resource District Oversight Advisory Task Force.
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 agricultural and responsible stewardship of livestock and land; and highlights the significance of South Dakota agriculture to our global food system.
- Influences decision makers to develop and implement sound agricultural policies.
Submit your nomination for the Governor's Ag Ambassador award.