Governor’s Ag Ambassador Nominations Sought

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) is seeking nominations for the 2016 South Dakota Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award.

Jodi Bechard, SDDA projects coordinator, says nominees should be those who have continually worked to promote agriculture in South Dakota. (Click here for Bechard audio cut.)

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 agriculture and the responsible stewardship of livestock and land.

Highlights the significance of South Dakota agriculture to our global food system.

Influences decision makers to develop and implement sound agricultural policies.

Nominations are due to SDDA by Feb. 29, 2016. The form can be found at http://sdda.sd.gov under the “Happening Now” section by clicking “2016 Governor’s Ag Ambassador Nominations.”

The award will be presented during the sixth annual Governor’s Agricultural Summit in Brookings on June 2.

The 2015 Governor’s Ag Ambassador was Dr. Bob Thaler of Brookings. Dr. Thaler has been a professor and South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension Swine Specialist for 26 years. Dr. Thaler has also taught multiple classes at SDSU helping prepare future farmers and ranchers. He has been recognized as the Ag-Bio College’s Teacher of the Year twice.

–SDDA