FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 28, 2026 

MEDIA CONTACT: Ben Koisti, Ben.Koisti@state.sd.us 

SUMMIT WEBSITE: https://danr.sd.gov/AgSummit/default.aspx 

  

Speaker Lineup and Tour Locations Announced for 2026 Governor’s Ag Summit 

  

PIERRE, S.D. – The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is pleased to announce the speaker lineup and tour locations for the 2026 South Dakota Governor’s Agricultural Summit. Hosted by Governor Rhoden, the two-day event will be held June 25–26 at the Larkspur Event Center in South Dakota’s capital city. The Summit brings together agricultural leaders, producers, industry partners, and stakeholders from across the state to connect, collaborate, and address key challenges and opportunities shaping South Dakota agriculture. 

  

Speaker Lineup for Thursday, June 25 

Secretary Hunter Roberts will open the Summit with welcome remarks to set the stage for the day’s discussions. 

 

Governor Larry Rhoden will provide a policy update and present the 2026 Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award to Jerry Schmitz in recognition of his outstanding contributions to South Dakota agriculture.

 

The keynote address will be delivered by Grey Zabel, rookie offensive guard for the Seattle Seahawks and 2026 Super Bowl LX champion. A native of Pierre, Zabel will discuss how his South Dakota upbringing and experiences working on his family’s farm shaped the character and work ethic that propelled him to the NFL, as well as his commitment to continuing his family’s agricultural legacy.

 

A Conservation Roundtable will convene leading state and federal experts to discuss effective conservation management practice and their role in supporting long-term agricultural sustainability. Panelists include: 

• Secretary Hunter Roberts, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (moderator)
• Secretary Kevin Robling, Department of Game, Fish, and Parks 
• Paul Lorenzen, DANR Watershed Protection Administrator
• Tate Lantz, NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations 
• Angela Ehlers, Executive Director, SD Association of Conservation Districts 

  

An Ag Economic Outlook session, presented by David Widmar, agricultural economist and co-founder and managing partner of Agricultural Economic Insights, LLC, will examine current economic conditions and emerging trends affecting the agricultural industry.  

  

An Ag Development Panel will feature leaders from major agricultural development projects across the state, offering insight into why they chose to invest in South Dakota and their outlook for the state’s agricultural and economic future. Panelists include: 

• Commissioner Bill Even, Governor’s Office of Economic Development
• Jim Monroe, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Smithfield Foods
• Jake Anderson, Project Director, Bel Brands USA
• Tom Kersting, CEO, South Dakota Soybean Processors and High Plains Processing 

 

A Lobbyist Panel will provide an inside look at South Dakota’s legislative process and how agricultural priorities are represented. Panelists include: 

• Deputy Secretary Brian Walsh, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (moderator)
• Brenda Forman, Executive Director, South Dakota Association of Cooperatives
• Matthew Bogue, State Public Policy Director, South Dakota Farm Bureau 

  

Tour Locations for Friday, June 26 

• South Dakota State University Dakota Lakes Research Farm
• Puris, a regional pea protein processing facility 

  

Registration for the Governor’s Ag Summit remains open. The event is free and open to the entire agricultural community; however, pre‑registration is required. 

  

For more information or to register, please visit: https://danr.sd.gov/AgSummit/default.aspx. 

  

For additional inquiries, please contact Brian Faris at 605.773.5559 or brian.faris@state.sd.us. 

  

-30-