Chamber holds agriculture and natural resources education dinner
Ag Education Picnic |
The Rypkema family hosted the 12th annual Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Education Picnic the evening of Friday, July 11, 2008. The gathering brought together a cross section of Black Hills area business people at the pristine Mt. Rushmore Angus Ranch near Spring Creek south of Rapid City.
The trip down Spring Creek Road was a treat to the eyes of anyone involved with agriculture. The hay fields were lined with a fruitful harvest of abundant bales and feed for the first time in years. The side hills boasted waves of belly-deep green grass where last year it had been bleak and dry. Thanks to much needed moisture earlier this spring, a feeling of optimism seemed to be in the air along with the tantalizing aroma of South Dakota beef on a hot grill.
Upon arrival at the ranch, guests were greeted by a saddled horse tied to a fence to signify the importance of the American rancher. As people walked toward the barn – in which many were gathered – they could look at a truck loaded with Black Hills logs supplied by Bob and Rita Baker of Baker Timber Products.
“This picnic is designed to really let city people see what goes on in the country,” said host Eddie Rypkema. “It’s important for all people to understand the economics of agriculture.”
Myron Williams of Wall, SD was one of the featured speakers of the evening, giving a brief speech pertaining to ranch economics and current ag issues. Williams was chosen as the 2008 Stockman of the Year and is a beef producer and feeder.
The Rypkema family hosted the 12th annual Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Education Picnic the evening of Friday, July 11, 2008. The gathering brought together a cross section of Black Hills area business people at the pristine Mt. Rushmore Angus Ranch near Spring Creek south of Rapid City.
The trip down Spring Creek Road was a treat to the eyes of anyone involved with agriculture. The hay fields were lined with a fruitful harvest of abundant bales and feed for the first time in years. The side hills boasted waves of belly-deep green grass where last year it had been bleak and dry. Thanks to much needed moisture earlier this spring, a feeling of optimism seemed to be in the air along with the tantalizing aroma of South Dakota beef on a hot grill.
Upon arrival at the ranch, guests were greeted by a saddled horse tied to a fence to signify the importance of the American rancher. As people walked toward the barn – in which many were gathered – they could look at a truck loaded with Black Hills logs supplied by Bob and Rita Baker of Baker Timber Products.
“This picnic is designed to really let city people see what goes on in the country,” said host Eddie Rypkema. “It’s important for all people to understand the economics of agriculture.”
Myron Williams of Wall, SD was one of the featured speakers of the evening, giving a brief speech pertaining to ranch economics and current ag issues. Williams was chosen as the 2008 Stockman of the Year and is a beef producer and feeder.
The Rypkema family hosted the 12th annual Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Education Picnic the evening of Friday, July 11, 2008. The gathering brought together a cross section of Black Hills area business people at the pristine Mt. Rushmore Angus Ranch near Spring Creek south of Rapid City.
The trip down Spring Creek Road was a treat to the eyes of anyone involved with agriculture. The hay fields were lined with a fruitful harvest of abundant bales and feed for the first time in years. The side hills boasted waves of belly-deep green grass where last year it had been bleak and dry. Thanks to much needed moisture earlier this spring, a feeling of optimism seemed to be in the air along with the tantalizing aroma of South Dakota beef on a hot grill.
Upon arrival at the ranch, guests were greeted by a saddled horse tied to a fence to signify the importance of the American rancher. As people walked toward the barn – in which many were gathered – they could look at a truck loaded with Black Hills logs supplied by Bob and Rita Baker of Baker Timber Products.
“This picnic is designed to really let city people see what goes on in the country,” said host Eddie Rypkema. “It’s important for all people to understand the economics of agriculture.”
Myron Williams of Wall, SD was one of the featured speakers of the evening, giving a brief speech pertaining to ranch economics and current ag issues. Williams was chosen as the 2008 Stockman of the Year and is a beef producer and feeder.
