South Dakota State Honored Four Agriculture Leaders
The annual award recognizes individuals for their significant contributions to the state agricultural industry.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Agriculture
South Dakota State University has named Patty DeZeeuw, Mary Duvall, Jerry Schmitz, and Kevin Scott as the winners of the 2026 Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community Award. The recipients were chosen for their impactful service to the agricultural sector and their respective local communities.
Why it matters
This long-standing recognition highlights the essential role that local advocates and farmers play in sustaining the livelihoods of South Dakota residents. It honors the professional milestones and public service contributions that shape the state agricultural landscape.
The award program has been operating for 99 years, celebrating long-term commitment to the industry. Honorees include individuals with extensive backgrounds, such as 10 years of legislative service and 40-year farming careers.
The players
Patty DeZeeuw
She has maintained a professional career spanning animal science, microbiology, and the crop insurance industry.
Mary Duvall
She served for 10 years in the South Dakota state Legislature.
Jerry Schmitz
He was the first president of the South Dakota Soybean Association and farmed near Vermillion for 40 years.
Kevin Scott
He is a South Dakota State University alumnus who served as president of both the South Dakota and American Soybean Associations.
South Dakota State University
The institution facilitates the award program and hosts the selection process from its campus in Brookings.
The details
Award recipients were selected through a confidential nomination process that evaluated their contributions to agricultural science, policy, and community development. The honorees bring diverse expertise ranging from microbiology and crop insurance to state-level political advocacy.
Timeline
Jerry Schmitz began helping build a state soybean association in 1980.
Kevin Scott launched his farming operation in 1983.
The 1985 Farm Bill served as a pivotal era for industry policy.
The 2026 award recipients were announced on September 28, 2026.
Market Landscape
This recognition underscores the shifting leadership trends in South Dakota agriculture where policy advocacy and scientific expertise now hold equal weight to traditional farming. It highlights how veteran figures maintain influence through both legislative service and industry associations.
The recognition of these leaders reinforces the professional standards and community engagement expectations for South Dakota farmers and advocates. Residents can look to these honorees as primary figures influencing the future of local state policy and agricultural development.
The takeaway
The accomplishments of these honorees demonstrate how long-term dedication to local industry groups and public service can drive statewide progress. Aspiring agricultural leaders should prioritize multi-disciplinary experience in both operations and public policy to achieve similar community impact.
Further reading
For more information on the state industry, visit Agriculture.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Agweek.
