• Ag Relations

  • Ag-Logo.png

  • 2021 Committee Members

    Charlie Stephenson – Chair
    Dacotah Bank
     
    Daleena VanKooten – Co-Chair
    VanKooten Ag Services & Cotton-Tied Boutique
     

    Dennis Harstad—Prairie AquaTech

    Lane LeBrun- Corteva

    Brad McManus-SDSU-Plant

    Carolyn Knutson -Brookings2Broadway

    John Killefer—SDSU 

    Erich Olson—Thrivent Financial

    Paul O’Neil — Dacotah Bank

    Susan Robbins-- First Bank & Trust

    Paul Johnson-- SDSU

    David Gatzke – Farm Credit

    Dave Gullickson—Farmers Implement

    Roger Rhody – Retired

    Shane Swedlund – Raven Industries

    Ellen Schlechter – Hurley & Associates

    Gena Hult-- Corteva

    David Gullickson -- Farmers Implement & Irrigation / Kubota

    Nicolas Passone -- SDSU College of Ag, Food, & Environmental Sciences

    Jeff Jacobson  -- StateWide Insurance

    Lane LeBrun -- Corteva / Pioneer Hi-Bred International

    Bo McCloud -- Northwestern Mutual - Bo McCloud
     

    Chamber Board Liason

    Don Greiner-First Bank & Trust

     

    Chamber Staff Liaison

    Emily Howell- Director of Membership & Marketing
    emily@brookingschamber.org

  • Mission Statement: Promote the Agriculture Industry. Help recognize area agriculture producers for the strong foundation they provide the area's economy. Support public policies that will strengthen the agricultural production economy.

  • Ag Scholarship:

    Each year the committee awards a $1,000 scholarship to (1) high school student and (1) post-secondary student pursuing careers in agriculture.  

    As of Dec 1. 2021, the 2022 Ag Scholarship is officially open!

    Please find the complete scholarship application packet linked here and below.

    The application deadline is April 15, 2022. All submissions should include:

    • Applicant information page

    • Applicant Narrative

    • School Official Certification (for high school seniors) or Post-Secondary applicant info.

    Applications can be mailed to:

    Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce

    Ag Relations Committee

    1321 6th St.

    Brookings, SD 57006

    Or emailed to info@brookingschamber.org

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    AG RELATIONS COMMITTEE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

    • The Ag Relations committee meets on the first Friday of every month. 
    • Ag Teacher Resource Grant - Each year the committee awards $500 to an agricultural education teacher seeking to add value to their student's classroom experiences. 
    • Ag Scholarships - Each year the committee awards a $1,000 scholarship to (1) high school student and (1) post-secondary student pursuing careers in agriculture.  
    • Feed the Farmer - An initiative during spring planting and fall harvest where the committee hand delivers lunches to farmers directly in the field during their busiest times to show appreciation as well as support for the communities they provide for. 
    • Ag Appreciation Banquet - The committee organizes an annual appreciation banquet for ag producers and guests. 
    • As well as funding for ag-related programming throughout the year.