Speakers and Tour Locations Announced for 2025 Governor's Ag Summit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Monday, April 28, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:Ben Koisti, Ben.Koisti@state.sd.us

SUMMIT WEBSITE: https://danr.sd.gov/AgSummit/default.aspx

Speakers and Tour Locations Announced for 2025 Governor's Ag Summit

PIERRE, S.D. -The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is excited to announce the speaker lineup and tour locations for the upcoming 2025 South Dakota Governor's Agricultural Summit. Hosted by Governor Rhoden, the two-day event on June 17-18 in historic Deadwood, South Dakota at the Deadwood Mountain Grand brings together stakeholders from across the agricultural community to connect, collaborate, and discuss industry challenges and opportunities.

Tuesday, June 17:

• Governor Rhodenwill provide a Policy Update and Present the 2025 Governor's Ag Ambassador Award;
• DANR Secretary Hunter Robertswill provide a Welcome Address;
• Bernt Nelson, economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation will lay out the current trends in cattle inventory, why it matters, and how family farms can lead their business through this "hypercycle" in the cattle industry;
• Jack Hubbardwill present "Animal Agriculture is Under Attack," which will address current challenges facing animal agriculture, focusing on the threats to the livestock industry and the actionable steps necessary to protect its future;
• Dr. Brett Kaysenfrom the National Pork Board will provide insights into consumer trends and behaviors within the meat industry;
• Alan Hojerfrom the South Dakota Ag Foundation will present an overview of their "Keep Farmers Farming" program, offering essential estate and transition planning support for South Dakota's agricultural producers, along with a producer panel; and
• A forestry roundtable will bring together both South Dakota and Wyoming State Forestersas well as leading industry experts to discuss the importance of effective forestry management practices.

Wednesday, June 18:

• The following day will include a regional forestry tour, focusing on forestry management from tree growth to finished product, and other industry tours to be announced.

Registration for the Governor's Ag Summit is still open, the event is free, and attendance is open to the entire agriculture community; however, pre-registration is required.

For more information and to register for the Governor's Ag Summit, please visit: https://danr.sd.gov/AgSummit/default.aspx

For any additional information, please contact Brian Faris at 605.773.5559 or brian.faris@state.sd.us .