SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: January 20, 2016

Media Contact:  Jody Heemstra, 605-773-4073

Stout and Hansen Named Agriculture Development Representatives

PIERRE, S.D.- Ben Stout and Bill Hansen have been hired as agricultural development representatives for the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA).

Stout will serve eastern South Dakota and be based in Brookings. Hansen will serve as an ag development representative for the southeast region and will also assist with SDDA’s finance programs.

Hansen’s extensive background in agriculture and over 26 years in both ag lending and ag finance counseling puts him in a unique position to be able to assist in all of these areas of agricultural development for SDDA. Bill received his BS in Animal Science and Teaching Certification from SDSU and has completed the ABA Ag Credit School and ABA Graduate School of Banking. He is a Class 1 graduate of South Dakota Agricultural and Rural Leadership and has served on numerous boards.

Stout graduated from South Dakota State University (SDSU) with a Bachelor of Science in Park and Recreation Management and minors in Business and Horticulture. He is currently finishing his Master of Science degree in Mass Communication.

“We are pleased to have Bill and Ben on the SDDA team,” said Paul Kostboth, director of Agricultural Development. “Protecting and developing agriculture in South Dakota is a complex process. Bill and Ben have the skills to help proactively find solutions to the numerous challenges that come with responsible development.”

SDDA’s ag development representatives work collectively with producers, landowners, developers and local leaders in identifying the quality growth opportunities vital to the long-term sustainability of the state’s rural communities.

To contact Hansen, email bill.hansen@state.sd.us or call 605-201-7593. To contact Stout, email ben.stout@state.sd.us or call 605-295-1635.

Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

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A photo of Stout can be downloaded here. A photo of Hansen can be downloaded here.