Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community

The Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community Program began in 1927 with the recognition of two Eminent Farmers by South Dakota State College, now South Dakota State University. The following year, the program was expanded with the addition of two Eminent Homemaker honorees. In the early years, the Eminent Farmer and Homemaker awards were much like honorary degrees. In the 1950s, the purpose of the program was clarified and the awards were designated as a very high honor, uniquely different from honorary degrees.

This program has been continuous since 1927 with the exception of 1942, 1943, 1945 and 2020. In 2011, the name was changed to Eminent Farmer/Rancher and Homemaker. In 2018, the full name of the award program was changed to Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community.

Dig deeper into the history of this program by checking out these materials.