2026 Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community announced

South Dakota State University colleges of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and Education and Human Sciences honor Patty DeZeeuw, Elkton; Mary Duvall, Pierre; Jerry Schmitz, Vermillion; and Kevin Scott, Valley Springs; with the 2026 Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community Award.

For nearly a century, this time-honored award has recognized South Dakotans for their contributions of leadership and service on the local, state and national levels.

“It's important for us to recognize these members of the agriculture community who have gone above and beyond in sharing their time, talent and treasure for the good of others,” said Joseph Cassady, South Dakota Corn Endowed Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. “Their actions serve as an inspiration to all. And today, we are in need of strong leaders in agriculture more than ever before. As the number of individuals directly engaged in production agriculture continues to decline, it is critical that our voices be heard.”

Established in 1927, the annual award formerly known as the Eminent Farmer/Rancher and Homemaker Award is a true South Dakota tradition with a legacy of more than 370 recipients.

SDSU selects individuals to honor based on confidential nominations. The nominations are reviewed, and honorees are recommended by a committee of faculty members, administrators, SDSU Extension personnel and past award recipients. The honorees are approved by the deans of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and the College of Education and Human Sciences.

“There are innumerable agriculture, family and community leaders who not only epitomize what it means to be an Eminent Leader, but they are unsung heroes to their families and community at large,” said Evan Ortlieb, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences. “They work tirelessly and are the go getters that communities rely upon. Their blue-collar work ethic drives them forward, and it is the least our colleges can do to honor these individuals who make a difference daily.”

Celebrate South Dakota’s Eminent Leaders Sept. 18

The 2026 award recipients will be recognized during a banquet held at McCrory Gardens Education and Visitor Center on the SDSU campus Sept. 18. During the banquet, portraits of the award recipients will be unveiled. These portraits will be displayed in a virtual gallery on the Eminent Leaders webpage and in Berg Agricultural Hall.

To attend the Sept. 18 recognition banquet and program, purchase tickets online at Eventbrite. Tickets need to be purchased on or before Sept. 4. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by a banquet and recognition program at 6:30 p.m.

To learn more about the award or to nominate an individual for the award, contact Angela Loftesness, Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community program chair, via email or 605-688-6732.