History and Significance

The Eminent Farmer and Homemakers Program was initiated in 1927 by South Dakota State University as a way to express appreciation to rural leaders and innovators who have truly made a difference in their communities, the state of South Dakota, and beyond. Honorees have been recognized every year since, with the exception of 1942 and 1943. The program is a joint effort of the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, the College of Home Economics, and the Cooperative Extension Service.

The Eminent Farmer and Homemaker Program honors outstanding South Dakotans who, without looking for, needing, or accepting personal reward, have gone the extra mile to make their families, their communities, and our state into the outstanding entities that they are. They are the first people that come to mind when we say the words friend, neighbor, leader.