Eminent Farmer
County: Spink
Arthur Rahm of Turton, a true "supporter of rural America," is a successful farmer and active conservationist who has planted shelterbelts to control erosion control and preserve wildlife habitat. He initiated grassed waterways and conservation tillage and advocated these practices throughout Spink County. For his efforts, Rahm received the Spink County Soil and Moisture Conservation Achievement Award. As a 47-year member of the South Dakota Crop Improvement Association, Rahm promotes and plants new crop varieties. For more than 15 years, he planted and maintained many different small grain test plots for the SDSU Crop Testing Program. He served as president of the Crop Improvement Association six years and has held other offices in the organization. Rahm's contributions to the South Dakota 4-H program and Cooperative Extension Service include serving as a club leader for the Turton Town and Country 4-H Club for six years. He was chairman of the Spink County Extension Board for eight years and also held other positions. Epsilon Sigma Phi granted him the "Friend of Extension Award" for his efforts in volunteerism. Rahm has been active on the Turton Farmers Elevator Board, Turton City and Rural Fire Departments, Spink County Lions Club, Knights of Columbus for 50 years and the Turton Township Board for more than 20 years. He has cut and donated sod to the Doland School District for the football field and baseball park, has donated trees for transplanting into cemeteries in Turton and, as Fire Chief, has strongly promoted training exercises for the overall safety of the community. The Doland FFA Chapter granted him the Honorary Chapter Farmer Award for his outstanding contributions to its program. Arthur and his wife, Leola, have four children, Kathy, Artyce, Lynette and Gregory, and 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild.