EAGAN, Minn., April 30, 2024 – IDEAg Group LLC., producers of Dakotafest, seeks nominations for the fifth-annual Dakotafest Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year Award. The nomination period ends June 6, 2024, and the award will be presented at Dakotafest on Aug. 22, 2024.
Dakotafest has awarded four and recognized an additional 16 female farmers since 2020 with the Dakotafest Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year Award. South Dakota residents are encouraged to nominate women who exemplify hard work and selfless dedication to their farms, their communities and the agriculture industry for the award.
As in previous years, five nominees will be chosen among all candidates and honored live at the Women in Ag event that will be held in the Dakotafest Education Building on the Reaves Buildings’ Innovation Center during the 2024 show in Mitchell. The Women in Ag event features a female ag speaker and concludes with the presentation of a $1,000 cash prize to one finalist named as the Dakotafest Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year.
Previous award winners include:
Kelsey Geraets of Humboldt
VeaBea Thomas of Harrold
Audra Scheel of Alpena
Cathy Eichacker of Salem
“We are thrilled to celebrate women in South Dakota agriculture for the fifth year running,†said Niki Jones, director of marketing for Dakotafest. “With each year’s nominations, we are blown away by the time, hard work and dedication women bring to farming.â€
The award is sponsored by Farm Bureau Financial Services, Farm Credit Services of America, KMIT and Brock Grain Systems.
Those wishing to submit a nomination, either of themselves or for someone else, or attend the Women in Ag event, can visit  for more information. Nominations close June 6, 2024.
