Travis Strasser
SD Corn Growers Association
• District 4
Travis Strasser’s farming career took root on a golf course.
Strasser, who grew up on a farm south of Wilmot, always planned to return to the farm, but also understood the value of off-farm experience, so he decided to pursue a degree in golf course management.
After graduating from South Dakota State University with a major in horticulture and minors in business and agronomy, Strasser worked in golf course management for 11 years. In that role, he learned the value of working with multiple boards and committees. He said he also learned the importance of dealing with the public on environmental policy.
While working as a golf course superintendent, he was able to farm part time for nine years before switching to full-time farming in the spring of 2014. He raises corn, soybeans and wheat, and also operates the Lockdown Labs dog kennel, which specializes in training and breeding Labrador retrievers. He also serves on his church trustee board.
Strasser said the most important issue facing corn farmers is sustainability of the family farm. “We have the opportunity to shape the current ag environment, but most important, we can set the stage for future generations.”
He and his wife, Andrea, have three children: Emmett, Aubree and Holden. He likes to spend his spare time with his family, fishing and hunting.