SD Corn Growers elect leaders for 2014

South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA) board members have elected Keith Alverson of Chester to serve as the organization’s president for 2014.

Alverson moves up from vice president to succeed retiring president Mark Gross of Bridgewater, who will continue to serve as a director on the board. Meeting Feb. 20 in Pierre, the board of directors also elected Troy Knecht of Houghton as vice president and Doug Noem of Bryant as secretary/treasurer.

Alverson, a sixth-generation farmer, farms in partnership with his dad and uncle. He serves as a member of the National Corn Growers Association Corn Board and is past chairman of the NCGA’s Ethanol Committee. He was elected to the SDCGA board in January 2010. He also served three years on the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council board of directors, including two years as vice president.

Knecht has served on the SDCGA board since January 2010. In addition to farming, he manages a Wensman Seed dealership. He also serves on the Britton-Hecla School Board and is a member of the Brown County Weed and Pest Board.

Noem joined the SDCGA board in early 2012. His public service includes serving as president of a local cooperative, member of the Pork Producers public policy committee, member of advisory board for Glacial Lakes Energy, clerk on the township board, and church president.

The South Dakota Corn Growers Association, one of the largest commodity groups in the state, promotes corn, represents corn producers on public policy issues and serves as a legislative voice.