The American Agri-Women presented South Dakota’s Gov. Kristi Noem with the Champion of Agriculture Award at their recent convention in Phoenix.
The Champion of Agriculture Award was initiated in 2010 to recognize members of Congress who have displayed exemplary courage in presenting and supporting legislation that promotes American agriculture, rural American lifestyles, and the United States Constitution.
“Governor Noem was an easy choice to be recognized with our Champion of Agriculture Award,” said AAW President Karolyn Zurn, “She works tirelessly each and every day to protect personal property rights and promote and advance agriculture and agricultural markets.”
Agriculture is the top industry in South Dakota, and Noem understands the business and challenges as a lifelong farmer and rancher. She promotes smart policy and works to protect the tradition of agriculture for our future.
On the governor’s website, Noem emphasizes the importance of South Dakota’s agriculture industry.
“Agriculture is the foundation of South Dakota’s economy and our number one industry — by a significant margin. All in all, it contributes about $32.5 billion to the economy, so when ag prospers, South Dakota prospers,” she says there. “Of course, when droughts hit or markets slide, everyone feels that too.”
Noem continues, “As a lifelong farmer and rancher, I know the challenges that come with the business. I know the stress that comes when you take out loans, bury that money in the ground in the form of seed and fertilizer, and hope not only for a good yield, but for the right market conditions at the right time. It’s a tough business. But I understand why folks do it. It’s a special job to feed the world — to know that the product of your labor brings families together around a dinner table, to know that your work makes a real difference.”
Noem was nominated for the award by the Black Hills Women in Timber.
