Join us each week as we lift up one of our Stockyards Ag Experience board members. We are so fortunate to have a group of individuals passionate about our mission who give their time to our work.
Today we’re starting with one of our newest board members – Kim Vanneman! As a former state legislator and former Secretary of Agriculture for South Dakota, Kim brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. But more importantly, Kim is an active member of her family’s ranching operation. Get to know Kim below!
Kim grew up On a ranch outside of Chamberlain, SD, she credits her passion for agriculture to her upbringing. Kim’s connection to the Sioux Falls Stockyards goes way back, as her dad was one of the first auctioneers when they started their pig and cattle auctions.
While attending South Dakota State University Kim was a member of the meats judging team. The team would spend every Saturday practicing at Morrells, afterwards getting lunch at the iconic Stockyards Cafe.
Kim is thrilled to see that this important piece of history is not being forgotten, “I am excited to see the value the Stockyards brought to the livestock industry in South Dakota as well as the economic impact to the Sioux Falls area memorialized. It is great to see how the Stockyards Ag Experience will visualize the history of the Stockyards and agriculture as well as be a learning tool to the public.”
The Stockyards Ag Experience mission is to connect agriculture to our lives, to Kim this means that the organization will help the general public recognize the impact that agriculture has on everyday necessities.
“For me the full success of the Mission will be when the general public knows that it is some form of agriculture that provides the food, fiber and fuel for them and their families every day without needing explanation,” she stated.
Kim’s passion for agriculture speaks for itself, “Agriculture has been a part of my entire life. I am thrilled to be a part of the Stockyard experience as it will give me a chance to celebrate my Dad’s legacy and continue serving the agriculture industry that I am so passionate about.”