South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA)
Industry Rep
Robert Nelson - VeraSun
Robert Nelson of Sioux Falls, S.D. is an industry representative on the South Dakota Corn Growers Association board of directors, appointed in 2008. Nelson represents VeraSun Energy on the SDCGA board. His position in Technology Development for VeraSun involves investigating opportunities in advanced ethanol and biofuels production for the company.
An Analytical Chemist by training, Nelson recently worked on the technologies that were responsible for sequencing the corn genome. He has spent most of his career in the processes of commercializing new technologies. He chose his profession because it was new and cutting edge, and, he says, “the most interesting thing to do with a chemistry degree.”
Nelson says the most important issue facing today’s corn producer is achieving environmental sustainability with increasing production.
In addition to his involvement with the SDCGA, Nelson is also a Sun Grant Initiative advisory board member, SDSU 2010 Center Advisory board member, Northern Plains Bioproducts Institute Founding director, and a Sloan Center for Bioproducts at Iowa State advisory board member.
Nelson has four children, Aron, Reka, Rebeka and David. In his spare time he enjoys his kids’ activities, golfing, skiing and sailing.