SDCGA names an MVP of Agriculture

The South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA) presented Steve Dick of Hartford, S.D., with the Most Valuable Player in Agriculture Award at their 21st Annual Meeting Jan. 6.

The MVP in Agriculture Award recognizes an individual or organization, which has helped achieve common goals and create milestones and advancement in the agricultural industry.

A dedicated friend to the SD Corn organization, Dick has helped create industry successes by leading the charge to transform how agriculture as a whole is perceived. He is breaking barriers to allow family farms to grow and prosper by sharing his passion and knowledge for agriculture to spur change for the industry and has worked to transfer benefits to agricultural producers.

A true advocate for farm families, in 2004 our Dick accepted the charge of fighting for livestock development in South Dakota and to put a face on South Dakota agriculture. Most recently in his role, he effectively stopped a measure, which would have allowed unreasonable scrutiny of livestock expansions or developments. He has tirelessly attended countless zoning meetings on behalf of farming families. He has been a watchdog for unfair attacks or regulations against farm families. He has promoted the industry to new levels of acceptance and success.

His job in representing South Dakota farm families is the creation of a unique coalition of five leading South Dakota farm organizations, including SD Corn. This MVP has exceeded what was thought possible when the concept of Agriculture United for South Dakota was born.

A native of southeastern South Dakota, Dick is a cattle and grain farmer himself in McCook County and also serves on the West Central School Board and is the chair of the Sioux Valley Energy’s Operation Round-up Board. He is a graduate of the University of South Dakota and prior to his current position, he served on former Sen. Tom Daschle’s staff for 10 years, during which time he was also a big ally to South Dakota agriculture.

He and his wife, Jeanne, reside in Hartford and have two children, Truman and Eleanor.