Category Archives: News

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Gov. Noem speaks at SDREA Annual Meeting in Pierre

Gov. Kristi Noem praised the state’s electric cooperatives for delivering affordable, reliable power to more than 120,00 members across the state while also reducing carbon emissions.
Speaking at the South Dakota Rural Electric Association’s 80th annual membership meeting on Jan. 14-15, Noem noted that the state ranks fifth in the use of renewable energy and third in service reliability. Basin Electric, the primary power supplier for the state’s electric co-op network, has reduced its reliance on coal generation by 20 percent over the past two decades. Roughly 60 percent of the power produced by Basin throughout its nine-state service area comes from resources other than coal.
“I want to let you know how grateful I am for all you do for our communities in South Dakota. We talk about statistics, but the reality is that you make it happen every day…you make sure we have energy that comes from a diversity of sources and is reliable for families and businesses,” Noem said.
She said that as a business owner and an elected official, she understands the necessity of reliable power in achieving financial and economic success and also recognizes the maze of regulatory and legislative rules that power providers must follow.
“As someone who has been in business and who has seen the struggles with regulations at the federal level, I believe you’re a bright spot on the horizon. And it means the world to me that you do what you do,” she said.
The annual meeting was held at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center with more than 300 cooperative leaders in attendance. Nearly 100 state lawmakers representing both major parties attended the association’s Legislative reception.
Rep. Dusty Johnson and Sens. Mike Rounds and John Thune also addressed the cooperative group. Johnson echoed the comments of his congressional colleagues when he said the South Dakota delegation has “a great working relationship” with the cooperatives.
He said electric co-op leaders have a long history of successfully collaborating with state and federal lawmakers on a wide range of issues such as environmental regulations, renewable energy, affordability and advancing technology.
“We have some challenges ahead with the reemergence of the Waters of the U.S. initiative, improved reliability and also challenges from a cultural perspective,” he said, pointing out that a minority of federal lawmakers represent rural districts back home.
The two-day event also included business meetings, market and industry reports, the annual Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE) breakfast banquet and other activities.
The association named Steve Reed of Murdo and Ed Anderson of Pierre as winners of the 2022 Legacy of Leadership Award.
Reed served as manager and CEO at West Central Electric in Murdo for 34 years. He was selected to replace the late Fritz Jost as manager in 1985 and held that post until he retired in 2019.
Anderson joined the South Dakota Rural Electric Association in 2000. He became general manager of the organization in 2009 and retired last July. During his career, Anderson represented rural electric cooperatives by also serving as a director for the American Coalition for Ethanol Board, South Dakota One-Call Notification Board and the South Dakota Co-op Hall of Fame Committee.
“I’d like to thank the SDREA Board and your continued commitment to serving all the members of SDREA,” Anderson said. “You understand the importance of that, and I know your job hasn’t gotten any easier over the past 20 years. But I’m confident that if you continue to look at the cooperative principles to guide your daily actions, you will continue to play a very important and positive role for your members and the citizens you serve all across the state.”
Current SDREA General Manager Trevor Jones said the annual gathering is an important time for the state’s electric cooperatives to connect with one another and with lawmakers to discuss current issues facing the electric power industry. Many of those issues, he said, have the potential to impact the pocketbooks of co-op members.
“It’s always a productive time for us to get together and reconnect with one another and learn more about an industry that is rapidly changing,” he said. “There are important issues such as cybersecurity, renewable power and the emergence of electric vehicles that can have a direct impact on our members. We need to make sure we’re able to stay current on these topics so we can have informed discussions with our members and provide them with credible information. And we always look forward to meeting one-on-one with our representatives to begin the session.”
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Gov. Noem Responds to SCOTUS Blocking OSHA Vaccine Mandate

Governor Kristi Noem issued the following statement in response to the United States Supreme Court blocking the OSHA vaccine mandate:

“Our nation was built on freedom, on the belief that our rights come from God, not from government. Any infringement on our rights risks breaking the constitutional republic that we hold so dear.

“I am grateful that the Supreme Court has taken this important action to guarantee the rights of employees to make their own personal choice whether or not to get a COVID vaccine. I look forward to working with the legislature to pass protections for private employees, just like we have already done for state workers. And employers can rest assured that they will not lose valuable employees to President Biden’s unconstitutional OSHA mandate.”

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Farmers Union Celebrates Hand County Farm Family

The Johnson family is deeply rooted in Hand County and South Dakota’s agriculture tradition.
Six of Curtis Johnson’s great-grandparents homesteaded in Hand County. Both his great-great-grandpa Thomas Cawood and great-grandpa William Walter Johnson served in the South Dakota Legislature in 1885 and 1889. The home he and his wife, Kelly, live in with their children, was built atop the same land as his great-grandpa Johnson’s sod house. And each growing season, Curtis Johnson plants and harvests in the same fields that his dad, Terry, Grandpa Walter, Great-Grandpa Thomas and Great-Great Grandpa William Walter planted and harvested.
“Farming land that has been farmed by four generations before me, makes me feel like I am the next in line to care for the land. It’s not quite like going out and buying something,” Curtis explained.
Curtis and Kelly returned to the family farm 20 miles south of Miller in 2015. The couple had been working in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: Curtis as a mechanical engineer and Kelly as an occupational therapist. Together the couple owned an occupational therapy clinic.
“We wanted to raise our kids on the farm,” Curtis said of their four children: Alexis, Brooks, Ava and Nikki.
Kelly, who grew up on a small Washington horse farm, agreed. “There is a big sense of freedom out here. Our kids can run around and do what they want to do. If they want to go ride their ATV, they can ride it. Or if they want to go shoot, they can.”
“And I can teach my kids skills out here,” Curtis added. “Like how to drive a stick shift and they have the opportunity to figure out how to fix things when they break.”
A mechanical engineering graduate of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Curtis explained how the hands-on experiences from his childhood on the farm came in handy.
“The engineering side of things was very second-hand to me. The math was very hard. It made me a unique engineer in a way,” Curtis said.
In addition to the farming lifestyle, Kelly appreciates the fact that her children are attending school and growing up in the rural community of Miller. “There is a sense of accountability in this small town. We know almost everyone who lives here. They know us and our kids. If the kids do something they should not be, I appreciate the fact that someone will step in and let me know or my kids know.”
To Kelly’s point, Curtis shared a story of when he was 18 years old. A farmer loaned him a pickup and trailer to haul some cattle home from a sale.
“When I dropped off the trailer, his wife said, ‘Wow, he let you drive his pickup. He does not even let me drive his pickup.’ And the farmer said to me, ‘I knew your grandpa. If I cannot trust you, I cannot trust anyone.’”
After the couple returned to the farm with their children, Kelly began working as an occupational therapist for Avera in Miller and Curtis began farming alongside his dad, Terry. Together they raise alfalfa, wheat, corn, soybeans and cattle. In addition to Curtis, Terry and his wife, Linda, raised daughters, Robin Musch and Jennifer Haring, on the family farm.
Terry says he was happy when he learned Curtis wanted to return home to continue the family farming legacy.
“I was tickled to death when I learned he wanted to return home to farm. I had kind of run out of steam so to speak,” Terry shared. “It is neat in the overall scheme of things, we have our name written in the dirt here.”
Since returning home, Curtis has slowly expanded the herd and pastureland. Most of the acres he purchases from neighbors at one time belonged to a great-grandpa, uncle or distant cousin.
Terry said he had a similar experience when he bought some quarters of land shortly after returning to the family farm as a Vietnam veteran.
“In June of 1976 I bought four quarters that had belonged to dad’s brother, Royal. We paid entirely way too much for the four quarters – especially looking at the year,” Terry said.
He shared that reclaiming this land for his family farm meant a lot to him. Unlike so many of the farm families who homesteaded in South Dakota in the late 1880s, his family was able to hang on to some of their farm ground through the Dirty Thirties. But it wasn’t easy.
“My dad, Walter, was a very young man. And his dad, William Walter Johnson, had died fairly young. So, Dad and Grandma Minnie had to work to keep the farm together, but they lost some quarters of land because they couldn’t pay the taxes.”
Terry and Curtis take extra steps when caring for the land that has been in their family for more than a century. Since the early 1990s, they have implemented no-till farming practices. And, when he can, Curtis implements rotationally grazing. Although he says the drought in the summer 2021 made it tough to implement the practice.
“I had to choose to either sell calves or over graze. I did not sell cattle. Thankfully it started to rain and now the grasses are really coming back,” Curtis said.
In addition to expanding grazing acres and cattle numbers, Curtis has worked to update the farm’s equipment and technology. “By adding autosteer, I am able to get 12 more rows into one quarter.”
He has also changed the way he markets commodities.
“I am working to get a better analysis on breakeven numbers, and I hired a marketing firm to help me,” Curtis explained. “This has given me the ability to market grain before harvest to cover breakevens.”
On average, Curtis markets about 60 to 70 percent of his crop prior to harvest. “It gives me the confidence when planting that I will turn a profit,” said Curtis, explaining that the farm’s risk management strategy includes a bailout plan if weather extremes don’t allow him to harvest the pre-marketed bushels.
“Before I started marketing this way, there was so much stress associated with the markets. I still watch the markets, but it is not as critical when 60 percent of the corn is sold before harvest,” Curtis said.
Curtis added that he relies on the marketing firm he works with for guidance. He looks to them as a coach of sorts as he and Kelly navigate the ins and outs of farming his family’s land for the next generation.
“Who knows, maybe one day, one of our kids will want to take over the farm for the next generation,” Kelly said.
News, Story

SDSU Extension to Host Beef Quality Assurance Certification Training Jan. 18

SDSU Extension is offering a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification training on Tuesday, January 18 at the Deuel County Extension Building located at 47494 SD Hwy 22 in Clear Lake, South Dakota.

Check-in and the meal will begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by BQA programming from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

“BQA focuses on food safety, animal well-being, employee safety and being good stewards of our natural resources while raising beef,” said Heidi Carroll, SDSU Extension Livestock Stewardship Field Specialist and Beef Quality Assurance Coordinator.

The BQA certification is a requirement to sell cattle to any major beef packers and producers are encouraged to ensure their BQA certification is up to date prior to marketing their cattle. The certification is valid for three years before producers must re-certify.

“BQA does more than just help beef producers capture more value from their market cattle,” said Carroll. “BQA also reflects a positive public image and instills consumer confidence in the beef industry. When producers implement the best management practices of a BQA program, they assure their market steers, heifers, cows and bulls are the best they can be.”

Registration for the event is $25 per attendee. To register for the event, visit the SDSU Extension Events page at extension.sdstate.edu.

An online training course is also available for cattle producers needing to certify or renew their BQA certification. Producers can complete the online BQA certification course at www.bqa.org.

The South Dakota BQA program is coordinated by SDSU Extension and is funded in part by the South Dakota Beef Industry Council and the Beef Checkoff.

In-person BQA certification courses are limited in South Dakota and more dates will continue to be advertised as they are scheduled. South Dakota producers residing near surrounding state borders may attend a BQA certification offered in any state. Likewise, producers from other states may attend a South Dakota BQA certification training to receive their BQA certification.

If you do not remember your BQA account credentials, please contact a state BQA coordinator, or the National BQA Team, at (303) 850-3473.

For more information contact Heidi Carroll, SDSU Extension Livestock Stewardship Field Specialist and Beef Quality Assurance Coordinator, at 605-688-6623 or Heidi.Carroll@sdstate.edu.

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Gov. Noem Announces Legislation Blocking Action Civics

Governor Kristi Noem released the text of draft legislation to block Action Civics as the basis of education for South Dakota students.

“Our Founding Fathers wanted the American people to be well-educated in our system of government, so our students should learn how to participate in it,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “As John Adams said, ‘Children should be educated and instructed in the principles of freedom.’ They should not, however, be forced to choose one political ideology over another or be forced to protest or lobby as part of their education. In South Dakota, we will focus on education, not indoctrination.”

Governor Noem previously addressed Action Civics with her signing of Executive Order 2021-11. She also introduced legislation to block Critical Race Theory as a basis of education for South Dakota students.

Governor Noem was also the first candidate for public office in the country to sign the 1776 Pledge to Save Our Schools, and she published an op-ed with Dr. Ben Carson outlining that decision.

You can read the draft legislation here.

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Sixteen Teens Selected to 2021-2022 State 4-H Ambassador Team

Each year, 4-H teens across South Dakota have an opportunity to apply to become a South Dakota State 4-H Ambassador. In this role, 4-H’ers grow their leadership and life skills, while serving as an agent of change and promoting inclusion and respect for diversity across 4-H in South Dakota. In October 2021, 16 teens were selected to serve on the 2021-2022 State 4-H Ambassador team.

“These individuals will work to develop their leadership skills, while serving South Dakota 4-H as positive mentors and role models to their 4-H peers,” said Hilary Risner, SDSU Extension Regional 4-H Youth Program Advisor.

“Each ambassador is assigned to a priority area that allows them a platform to dive deep into their areas of interest,” said Risner. “In addition, selected teens will have an opportunity to plan and execute an educational engagement of their choosing for 4-H youth – this can be in the form of a workshop or even a digital learning experience.”

In order to be selected, 4-H’ers must submit an application containing a personal narrative and three letters of recommendation from an SDSU Extension Professional, a 4-H leader or volunteer and a 4-H member or alumni.

After submitting an application package, candidates participate in an interview with the State 4-H Ambassador Program Coordinator and industry or 4-H professionals. Candidates are then selected on their perceived ability to serve as a positive role model to other youth and as a champion for South Dakota 4-H.

The ambassadors selected for this year include:

  • Kate Hamilton of Beadle County with a focus on leadership
  • Emily Robbins of Brookings County with a focus on health and wellness
  • Dillon Browning of Brown County with a focus on leadership
  • Izzy May of Butte/Lawrence Counties with a focus on leadership
  • Laurie Vifquain of Butte/Lawrence Counties with a focus on leadership
  • Logan Tlam of Davison County with a focus on leadership
  • Hayden Niles of Day County with a focus on science
  • William Karels of Grant County with a focus on leadership
  • Isaac Sousa of Grant County with a focus on leadership
  • Emma Eppe of Lake County with a focus on agriculture
  • Ashley Bondesen of Lincoln County with a focus on leadership
  • Carter Effling of Marshall County with a focus on agriculture
  • Madison DeMent of Minnehaha County with a focus on agriculture
  • Grace DiGiovanni of Turner County with a focus on health and wellness
  • Shane Rist of Turner County with a focus on agriculture
  • Eli Hamre of Walworth County with a focus on leadership

For second-year ambassador, Dillon Browning, being selected again is quite meaningful because it is an opportunity to serve as a positive role model for youth in South Dakota and to make a difference in 4-H youth experiences.

“I am really excited to be serving in this role because this program has had a significant impact on improving my own leadership skills while being able to help others do the same,” said Browning. “This year, my goals include encouraging others to get involved in civic and leadership activities.”

Browning will also serve on the Teen Leadership Conference Committee for a second year.

“Being a member of the TLC Committee, a goal of mine is to identify and encourage at least five 4-H youth from surrounding counties to attend the Teen Leadership Conference this year,” said Browning. “I would also like to facilitate a workshop or educational engagement at TLC – potentially a creative communication workshop.”

Additionally, Browning hopes to provide the opportunity for members from his surrounding counties to attend 4-H Day at the Capitol.

“I had never heard much about the opportunity before I began serving in this role,” said Browning. “I am excited for what the year has in store for me and my fellow team members!”

Grace DiGiovanni, another second-year ambassador, thinks this year’s team will be strong role models for South Dakota 4-H.

“This year’s team is very strong, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it,” said DiGiovanni. “With that being said, being on this team makes me feel like an important part of something that can hopefully change the future for many. Some of my goals include facilitating a workshop on healthy living at TLC, creating an educational engagement surrounding my Whole Foods program, and impacting a youth member’s life.”

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Hometown Healthcare Heroes: Winner Regional Health, Winner, South Dakota

Congratulations to this month’s South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organization (SDAHO) Hometown Healthcare Heroes member facility and community, Winner Regional Health in Winner, South Dakota.
To help member facilities with workforce needs, SDAHO has launched the Hometown Healthcare Heroes campaign. The campaign is designed to recognize and celebrate member facilities, the people that work there and the communities they live in. Each month SDAHO will highlight a member facility and the job opportunities at that facility. In addition, community members share insight on the business environment, housing options, details about the school system, and some of the amenities within the town and surrounding area.
Winner Regional Health has served the residents of south-central South Dakota and north-central Nebraska for over 65 years. Located in central Tripp County, the community of Winner is known for great outdoor recreational opportunities, often referenced as a sportsman paradise attracting pheasant hunters across the country. Winner Regional holds the role of the region’s primary healthcare provider. Linda Schueth serves as the facilities Registered Nurse Outpatient Nurse Supervisor. Linda has worked in healthcare for 44 years with 40 of those at Winner Regional Health. “We are so lucky, not only do we have our hospital, but we also have two clinics in town, and we have a surgeon. A lot of smaller hospitals do not have surgery available anymore, that means we can deliver babies. We have optometry, mental health and drug and alcohol counseling in the community. We have two pharmacies, we have physical therapies, we have chiropractors, so we are able to provide a holistic approach to healthcare which is quite unique for our community.” Linda Schueth, RN/RN Outpatient Nurse Supervisor, Winner Regional.
Jack Kerner, a pharmacist in Winner was born and raised there. After earning his pharmacy degree from SDSU, he and his wife chose to return to their hometown. Jack says healthcare is a scarce resource in rural communities and people understand that which shows in the way residents treat him and other healthcare professionals who call Winner home. “I feel people tend to be more appreciative of the care they receive, they have a high degree of respect for their healthcare professionals. I am able to see the people that I treat and help in the community whether at the grocery store or out to eat, I run into people frequently and I enjoy that.” Jack Kerner, Pharmacist Winner Regional Health
Winner Regional Health is locally Owned and operated, with a local nine-person volunteer Board of Directors responsible for overseeing and managing the strategic direction of the facility. Each year, the Board chooses three candidates from local communities to serve three-year terms on the Governing Board. While still locally owned and operated, an agreement with Sanford Health aides the organization with purchasing, training, technology, and administration.
Winner is a strong agriculture driven community with workforce opportunities abundant. Casey Heenan was also born and raised in Winner. He and his family left for a short time but decided to return to his hometown, where today he manages the Winner Circle Feed Yard. Casey says Winner has a deep sense of community, with lots of functions where the entire community shows up to support. “Whether it is a high school sporting event or a fundraiser, the community shows up and they have a real appreciation for each other.”
Winner’s downtown offers residents a wide variety of shopping, restaurants and more. Casey applauds the community’s effort to ensure residents have everything they need in this town of three thousand. “If someone is coming here with their spouse who got a job at the hospital, additional job opportunities in Tripp County are endless. There are ag support jobs and more. If you move here and your spouse has their own business, there are some tax advantages from a business standpoint that will help further their career in that industry.” Casey Heenan, Manger Winner Circle Feed year.
Winner is a robust community with continued growth. Winner Regional Health and the healthcare team are part of that growth with a variety of career opportunities. To learn more about Winner, South Dakota and the healthcare job opportunities within Winner Regional Health, visit their link today
To learn more about the SDAHO Hometown Healthcare Heroes Campaign Visit our website at
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SDSU Extension to Host Virtual BeefUP Course

SDSU Extension will be presenting BeefUP, a 6-week, self-paced virtual course starting February 1. BeefUP will encompass a systems approach of calving distribution and management strategies that have an impact on profitability and improve future returns.

The course will highlight three collaborator herds and their diverse management strategies on maintaining a defined calving distribution. Content will discuss drivers that have historically affected sale-barn premiums based on calf uniformity, and a final video will provide a research update of current factors impacting calf prices across South Dakota sale barns.

Participants will also have the opportunity to examine their own calving distributions.

“Cows that calve on time are the number one predictor that cattle within that operation fit the managerial program,” said Olivia Amundson, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist. “Furthermore, calf crops, uniform in size and age, have market advantages and exceed returns over calves that lack uniformity in both age and weight. Management decisions made prior to the first calf hitting the ground can have significant impact on the following breeding and calving season.”

Registration is $100 and those interested can register on the SDSU Extension Events page at extension.sdstate.edu until January 31.

Completion of the course provides participants with the additional opportunity to attend a two-day ranch tour showcasing successful operations in regard to calving distribution.

For more information, contact Amundson, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist, at Olivia.Amundson@sdstate.edu or (605) 782-3290.