2024 Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community announced

The South Dakota State University colleges of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and Education and Human Sciences honor Brad Greenway, of Mitchell; Floyd Hansmeier, of Bristol; Steven Rommereim, of Alcester, and Pam Geppert, of Kimball, with the 2024 Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community Award. 

For nearly a century, this time-honored award has recognized South Dakotans for their contributions of leadership and service on the local, state and national levels. 

“Giving back is a timeless tradition. Now more than ever it is important to recognize those individuals who, through their devotion to our communities and our state, have made a difference,” said Joseph Cassady, South Dakota Corn Endowed Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. “I look forward to this opportunity each year to acknowledge those individuals who have had a sustained positive impact on our communities and state.” 

Established in 1927, the annual award formerly known as the Eminent Farmer/Rancher and Homemaker Award is a true South Dakota tradition with a legacy of more than 300 recipients. 

SDSU selects individuals to honor based on confidential nominations. The nominations are reviewed, and honorees are recommended by a committee of faculty members, administrators, SDSU Extension personnel and past award recipients. The honorees are approved by the deans of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and the College of Education and Human Sciences. 

“A university is an organization driven to serve its community. We function as a collective of like-minded and purpose-driven individuals. Recognizing the extraordinary efforts of these South Dakotans dedicated to making our communities, state and nation better for the future is the least we can do,” said Evan Ortlieb, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences. 

Celebrate South Dakota’s Eminent Leaders Sept. 20 

The 2024 award recipients will be recognized during a banquet held at the McCrory Gardens Education and Visitor Center on the SDSU campus Sept. 20. During the banquet, portraits of the award recipients will be unveiled. These portraits will be displayed in a virtual gallery on the Eminent Leaders webpage. 

To attend the Sept. 20 recognition banquet and program, visit the Eventbrite event page or go to the Eventbrite homepage and search for Eminent Leaders events in Brookings to purchase tickets. Tickets need to be purchased on or before Sept. 6. The banquet begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by a recognition program at 6:30 p.m. 

To learn more about the award or to nominate an individual for the award, go to the Eminent Leaders webpage or contact Angela Loftesness, Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family, and Community chair, via email or at 605-688-6732.