Walt Bones District 1
Walt Bones is engaged in a multi-faceted family farming enterprise near Chancellor, S.D. Bones joined the SDCGA board in 2009.
Bones attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University in 1974 before returning to the family operation. He says he chose the profession because of his love of the land, the outdoors and the challenges, traditions and opportunities that farming and working with animals allow him.
The Bones ranch was homesteaded in 1879 and 2009 will mark its 30th Anniversary. With partners including Walt’s brothers, a brother-in-law and three nephews, they encompass the fourth and fifth generations to till the same soil where their ancestors marked territories. Today the farming operation is highly diversified incorporating corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa for crops. Their grasslands are grazed by a commercial beef cow herd and they also operate a feed yard combining owned and custom fed cattle.
The Bones’ were instrumental in developing Turner County Dairy, a 1,900 head cow dairy, a cooperative effort between neighbors to bring a market for feedstock to their community. Their cooperative efforts with neighbors extend to a forage harvesting company, shared equipment purchases and a grain storage facility.
Their latest endeavor is Genesis Ethanol I, a 4 million gallon per year micro ethanol plant that has been built in partnership with Summit Green Energy.
Bones believes one of the biggest issues facing corn producers today is the need to demonstrate agriculture’s role in society.
“Today’s corn growers and their representative state organizations need to continue research, policy and market development programs that will continue to recognize the values we bring to our local and world markets with a minimum of governmental intrusions,” said Bones. “The decisions we make today will shape our future.”
In addition to the SDCGA board, Bones has the following affiliations: 2008 SD Property Tax Revision Advisory Committee; American Farm Bureau National Hay and Forage Committee; South Dakota Ag and Rural Leadership program participant, board of directors and alumni association; Minnehaha County Planning and Zoning Board; South Dakota Hereford Association; South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association and past associate director for Country Pride Coop.
Walt and his wife, Jan, have three grown children: Christi (husband Mitch); Lisa (Ian); and Ryan. His spare time is devoted to spending time with family, travel and reading.