Eminent Farmer
County: Charles Mix
Vene C. Eitemiller, Armour, one of the first farmers in the state to field test systemic insecticides for greenbug control on sorghum, was honored in 1973 as Eminent Farmer by the South Dakota Board of Regents and South Dakota State University.
Eitemiller, 63, known as “a busy man who gets things done without hooting and hollering,” was one of the first in his area to do production testing work, to plant fertilizer and small grain test plots, to practice interseeding, to try new conservation practices and new seed varieties and to keep herd production records.
His most significant accomplishment is his work with SDSU entomologists in field testing for greenbug control. It meant risking possible residue problems with untried chemicals, but the system proved out, and now from 50% to 60% of the sorghum in south central South Dakota is treated for greenbug control as the result of his foresight.
Eitemiller has served in all offices of the Charles Mix County 4-H Leaders Association; is a charter member of the Fort Randall Hereford Association; was Federal Land Bank director; has been director of the County Fair Board since it was organized; is a member of the Extension Board and Swine Association; and was on the board of directors and chairman of the Wagner Oil, Lumber and Grain Cooperative. The Wagner Blue Ribbon 4-H Club, which he has led for 27 years, has been one of the largest and most active clubs in the state with almost 50 members.
Eitemiller and his son Arnold, operate a 1,200-acre farm featuring purebred and commercial Herefords. A daughter, Fae (Wayne) Ramsdell, lives in Wagner and three other children—David, Lois (Marvin) Olson, Wagner, and Helen (Lawrence) Biever, Colorado Springs, Colorado, are all SDSU graduates. The Eitemillers have eight grandchildren.