Nominations sought for 2026 Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community awards

The Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community Selection Committee is seeking nominations of individuals for South Dakota State University's Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community award program.

This year marks the 99th anniversary of the program, which was founded in 1927. The intent of this program is to recognize citizens for a lifetime of leadership and service for the betterment of the agriculture industry, families and South Dakota communities. The awards are presented by the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and the College of Education and Human Sciences.

The nominees should have made significant contributions to agriculture, family and/or their community; promoted agriculture best practices, family strengthening programs and/or community enhancement; made specific contributions to their county, state and/or nation; and should be known for giving unselfishly of their talent, time and leadership. 

There is no age requirement, but the nominees must be living at the time honorees are notified. Spouses may be nominated, but a separate nomination form is needed for each individual. Recipients must be residents of South Dakota. If nominees were previously employed by SDSU, employment cannot have been within the last five years. Three to five letters of support are required.

How to nominate

The official Eminent Leader nomination form with instructions is available online at on the Eminent Leader webpage. Contact Angela Loftesness at 605-688-6732 or via email to request a hard copy.

Deadline is May 1

All nominations must be received by May 1 to be considered for the award in the same calendar year. Nominations are accepted year round. Please send nominations to: ELAFC Nominations; ATTN: Angela Loftesness, SDSU CAFES Dean's Office, Box 2207, Brookings, SD 57007, or e-mail Loftesness.

The next Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community award celebration is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 18, at McCrory Gardens in Brookings.

If you have questions, please contact Loftesness.