The next 2025 Ag Experience Insider is the Hammer Family. The Hammers run a cow-calf operation near Baltic, SD and are involved in meaningful work outside the farm. Julie Hammer is eager to share both the latest updates from their farming operation and the impactful work they do beyond the farm—so be sure to keep reading!
On the Farm & Beyond
Hello, my name is Julie Hammer. I was raised just a few miles from Baltic, South Dakota, on my family’s farm, and I still live close by today. My husband Greg, our beloved Mini Aussie Whiskey and I live near the Hammer Homestead, where we run a cow-calf operation and farm a few acres. Over 30 years ago, we bought our first set of heifers — and we’ve been growing our herd ever since.
This spring has been full of fencing projects to prepare our pastures for grazing. We’re happy to have the cows and calves out now, though the fencing work never truly ends — it’s just part of life on the farm.
Both Greg and I have full-time careers off the farm. I’m the Executive Administrative Assistant for the Sioux Empire Fair, where I’ve been fortunate to wear many 
hats over the past 15 years. Working with our incredible team, we strive to provide the best experience possible for guests of all ages. Greg works as a nutrition representative specializing in swine, bringing his own expertise to the agriculture industry.
I currently serve as the 2024–2025 Chair of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Advisory Council. I’m also honored to be serving the board of directors of the Heartland Association of Fairs, Festivals and Events, Southeast South Dakota Tourism, and the Minnehaha Funeral Home.
Serving the Soil & Community
My love for livestock and the land began as a young girl, but my passion for volunteering truly took root over 20 years ago when I began volunteering with the Sioux Empire Livestock Show. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most amazing volunteers in the area — experiences I deeply treasure.
One of the highlights of my journey was being part of the opening of the Stockyard Ag Experience Barn in 2017. Serving as a guest service member for over a year, I had the pleasure of welcoming people from around the world. I’ll never forget meeting two couples from Australia who traveled from Minnesota to Sioux Falls and stopped at the museum. They asked about a green, leafy crop they’d seen along their drive — I was able to show them soybeans in the farm-to-table exhibit and explain how they’re grown and used. Moments like that stay with you forever.
If you haven’t yet visited the museum, I encourage you to stop by — admission is free, and you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of agriculture and its impact on all our lives.
I look forward to sharing more about the work we’re doing on the farm and within the community in the coming months!
– Julie Hammer