South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden Names Jerry Schmitz 2026 Governor’s Ag Ambassador
Governor Larry Rhoden has announced that Jerry Schmitz of Vermillion, South Dakota, has been selected as the 2026 Governor’s Ag Ambassador. The award is considered one of the state’s highest honors recognizing leadership, service, and advocacy in agriculture.
“Ag is king in South Dakota, and Jerry has devoted his life to advancing agriculture,” Rhoden said. “His leadership, vision, and dedication have helped drive innovation, expand opportunities for producers, and strengthen South Dakota’s number one industry.”
Schmitz is a lifelong farmer and longtime agricultural leader who has spent decades serving South Dakota producers. He was a founding member of the South Dakota Soybean Association and later served in leadership roles at both the state and national levels, including with the American Soybean Association.
Throughout his career, Schmitz has worked to expand market opportunities for farmers, support agricultural research and innovation, strengthen collaboration across the ag industry, and represent South Dakota agriculture on a global level.
Schmitz will officially receive the Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award during the 2026 Governor’s Ag Summit scheduled for June 25 in Pierre, South Dakota. The annual event brings together farmers, ranchers, agribusiness professionals, and industry partners from across the state to network, learn, and celebrate agriculture.
The Governor’s Ag Summit is free and open to the public, although pre-registration is required. For event information and to register, please visit: https://danr.sd.gov/AgSummit/default.aspx