For Immediate Release: Friday, June 7, 2024
Media Contact: Dana Munyon, dana.munyon@state.sd.us

Conference Website: danr.sd.gov/AgSummit

DANR Releases Final Agenda for the 2024 Governor’s Agricultural Summit

PIERRE, S.D. – The final agenda is now available for the 2024 South Dakota Governor’s Agricultural Summit (Ag Summit). The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is hosting the two-day event on June 12-13 in Huron at the State Fairgrounds.

The agenda, digital event program, and registration information is available online at https://danr.sd.gov/AgSummit/. The event is free, but registration is required.

“Agriculture is South Dakota’s number one industry, and the Ag Summit brings producers and industry leaders together to discuss our successes, challenges, and new innovations,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “The Ag Summit is the perfect forum to come together and focus on keeping our ag economy growing and thriving.” 

The Day 1 agenda includes:

• Remarks from Governor Kristi Noem along with the presentation of the 2024 Ag Ambassador Award to Jerry Oster;
• An update from Harrison Pittman with the National Agriculture Law Center;
• Keynote speaker Damian Mason’s presentation of “The ‘Ations’ of Agriculture”;
• Panel discussions on the impacts of trade on South Dakota’s economy and enhancing supply chain logistics;
• Insights on the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture;
• An update from state veterinarian Dr. Beth Thompson on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza;
• Lankota’s story – Ag driven innovations; and
• An update on commodity markets and their impacts on rural communities from Elaine Kub.

The Day 2 agenda includes:

• A presentation on the historical journey of the South Dakota State Fair and its deep roots in agriculture; and
• A trip to Spink Colony for a look into the history and daily life of the Spink Colony Hutterite community including a visit to the Kasemeister Creamery.

This year’s Ag Summit is paired with the DEXtravaganza ‘Grand Opening’ Concert on June 13 featuring country music superstar Thomas Rhett.

Click here to purchase Thomas Rhett tickets.

-30-