• Ag Relations

  • Ag-Logo.png

  • 2023 Committee Members

    Dave Gatzke- Chair
    Farm Credit Services
     
    Ed Fiegen- Vice Chair
    First Bank & Trust
     
    Daleena Van Kooten- Van Kooten Ag Services
     
    Bo McCloud- Advantage Land Company
     
    Charlie Stephenson- Dacotah Bank
     
    Ellen Schlechter- Hurley & Associates
     
    Gena Hult- Coreva/Pioneer Hi-Bred International
     
    Brad McManus- SDSU College of Ag, Food & Environmental Sciences
     
    Jeff Jacobson- Statewide Insurance
     
    Lane Lebrun- Coreva/Pioneer Hi-Bred International
     
    Lora Berg- SDSU College of Ag, Food & Environmental Sciences
     
    David Gullickson- Farmer Implement & Irrigation
     
    Nate Moe- Summit Contracting
     
    Torrey Kolden- Farm Credit Services
     
    Tim Paulson- Central Bank
     
    Chamber Board Liaison- TBD
     

    Chamber Staff Liaison

    Andrea Fox-Mosher- Operations Coordinator
    andrea@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.

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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, a $2,000 to (1) high school student, and $500 to (1) high school student. The committee also awards $2,000 to (1) post-secondary student, $1,000 to (1) post-secondary student, and $500 to (1) post-secondary student who are 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

     

     

  • Previous Ag Teach Resource Grant Winners:

    2022- Kelly Keller of Arlington High School for Air Tools for the students in Agricultural Mechanics, Systems and Metal Fabrication classes.

    2022- Don Sutera, Sioux Valley High School for purchase of new Impact Drills for his Ag & Shop Classes.

    2021- Kelly Keller of Arlington High School for a Truck Driving simulator to assist students in obtaining their CDL

    2020- Marie Jaacks of Deuel High School for an iCEV AgEd Instructors license to support online curriculum associated with school courses

    2019- Lake Preston for Floriculture & Vet Science Field Guides

    2018- Deubrook FFA program for the purchase of a Career Safe OSHA Training program

    2017- Deuel High School for OSHA AG Industry Course