Media Contact:
Mary Lehecka Nelson
711 E Wells Ave
Pierre, SD 57501-3369
Phone: 605-773-3301
Toll Free: 800-872-6190
email: Mary.LeheckaNelson@state.sd.us
Innovation, Opportunities Highlighted at Governor’s Ag Development Summit
6/30/2010
CONTACT: Nathan Sanderson, 605-773-6211
More than 400 business leaders, educators, elected officials, and financiers gathered in Sioux Falls today to discuss economic development opportunities in agriculture during the first annual Governor’s Ag Development Summit.
The gathering highlighted the ways agriculture – which is South Dakota’s No. 1 industry – serves as a powerful economic development engine that links the citizens, businesses, and communities of South Dakota.
In his speech to those at the Summit, Gov. Mike Rounds focused on taking advantage of agriculture’s competitive and comparative advantages.
“In order to realize our potential, we need to discuss how to advance new opportunities in our agriculture economy through innovation, technology, financing and education,” the Governor emphasized. “So, my call to action today is to encourage all of you to use this meeting as a springboard to even greater development of our ag economy.”
Judith Canales, the administrator for Rural Business and Cooperative Programs with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, discussed agriculture’s importance for development in rural areas.
Leaders of several prominent companies, including Archer Daniels Midland, Pfizer, Monsanto, DuPont, POET, Midpoint Food & Ag Fund, Sanford Health, Raven Industries, and Hematech, shared research opportunities, technological advancements, and innovative developments in agriculture.
“Agriculture is an important tool for building wealth in South Dakota,” said Acting Secretary of Agriculture Jon Farris, “by merging the productive capacity of our existing farms and ranches with cutting-edge innovation, scientific breakthroughs, and a population of educated, hard-working people willing to make this endeavor succeed.”
The Governor’s Ag Development Summit was made possible by support from Farm Credit Services of America; Pfizer Animal Health; Pioneer Hi-Bred International; DuPont Business; the Governor’s Office of Economic Development; South Dakota Corn Growers; POET; Dacotah Bank; Sanford Health; Raven Industries; Hematech; Archer Daniels Midland; South Dakota Soybean Growers; South Dakota Pork Producers; South Dakota Agri-Business Association; South Dakota Beef Industry Council; South Dakota Wheat Commission; Allflex; Dakotaland Feeds, LLC; South Dakota Wheat Growers; South Dakota Grain and Feed Association; Midwest Dairy Association; First Dakota National Bank; Valley Queen Cheese Factory; South Dakota Farm Bureau; Alltech; and Ag United for South Dakota.
Agriculture is South Dakota's No. 1 industry, generating more than $21 billion in annual economic activity and employing more than 173,000 South Dakotans.
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve the industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov/.
