Agriculture Students Learn About Policy & Careers during D.C. Leadership Summit

By Lura Roti

South Dakota Farmers Union co-sponsored college students to participate in the National Farmers Union 2025 All-States Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.

“I feel it is important for the next generation of agriculture professionals like me, to know what goes on in D.C. and how to be a part of what happens,” explained Dakota Jensen, a dairy production and political science major at South Dakota State University. “What happens in D.C. impacts not only my life as an agriculture producer, but every citizen’s life.”

The All-States Leadership Summit focused on providing young adults from across the nation with an immersive educational experience focused on agriculture policy, advocacy, professional development and leadership.

“Gaining first-hand knowledge on how policy works and connecting with professionals in agriculture at this stage of life opens so many doors for these students,” said Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of South Dakota Farmers Union. “This is the reason our organization brought the idea for this summit to National Farmers Union.”

Jensen said she found value in the networking opportunities the Summit provided. “Meeting college students from other states who, like me are pursuing careers in agriculture, was interesting, and gave me some new perspectives to think about.”

Expanding perspectives of what an agriculture career looks like was among the goals of the Summit programming, explained Samantha Bowman, South Dakota Farmers Union Education Program Specialist. “Agriculture industry encompasses more than hands-on production agricultural. There are many who work in support roles, like careers in ag policy, to help make things better for the farmers and ranchers who are doing the boots on the ground work.”

Summit participants met with professionals working in ag policy and other careers. They also engaged in professional development workshops.

“The focus on resume-building, advocacy and networking gave me and the other participants tools we can actually use in our future careers,” said Chaz Blotsky, a Hidden Timber rancher and Mitchell Technical College student.

Blotsky and South Dakota State University student, Aeriel Eitreim, worked with National Farmers Union to plan the All-States Leadership Summit. In 2024 they were elected to serve as the 2024-2025 National Farmers Union Youth Advisory Council during the organization’s All-State’s Camp. This year’s Leadership Summit replaces the camp – a decision, Eitreim said was a positive change.

“This new format allows all college-age students interested to attend, whereas the former camp was limited to students who previously participated in Farmers Union educational programming,” Eitreim said. “And changing the programming from a camp-like atmosphere to a conference provides students with a higher level of professional development, networking and career-building skills.”

Treyton Anson appreciated the change. The Leadership Summit is the first Farmers Union activity the fifth-generation Miller cattle producer has participated in.

“This opportunity through Farmers Union opened our minds and helped us gain more knowledge on agriculture policy development,” Anson said. “We also learned about advocacy. As a young producer, this is important because there’s a lot that goes on in D.C. that impacts every aspect of production. And the people who are making the decisions don’t always understand agriculture, so we need to help them understand.”

Anson was among four Mitchell Technical College students to attend the Leadership Summit. After college, the 19-year-old plans to return to Miller to ranch with his family full time.

Three South Dakotans Selected to Serve on National Council

During the Leadership Summit, Madi Raymond, Ethan; Brandon Toennies, Cresbard, and Patrick Olson, Aberdeen; were selected to serve on the National Farmers Union Youth Advisory Council. These South Dakota college students will serve alongside students from Wisconsin and Oklahoma. Selected through a competitive application process, these students will work closely with National Farmers Union education staff.

“NFU was proud to welcome the next generation of farmers and policy leaders to Washington, a program first for the All-States Leadership Summit,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Our NYAC represents the future of family farming, ranching and rural advocacy. Their voices, ideas and energy are vital to shaping a stronger future for agriculture, and we are thrilled to have them serve in this role in the year ahead.”