Co-owner of a fifth-generation, family-owned diversified crop and livestock operation homesteaded in 1884 near Humboldt, South Dakota where we raise corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa and cattle. In addition, our family also operates a farm equipment repair business and a DuPont Pioneer Sales Agency.As part of our farm operation, I serve on the South Dakota State University (SDSU) College of Agriculture and Biology Advisory Board; Avera Health System Rural Cancer Advisory Committee; First Dakota National Bank Ag Advisory Board and the Minnehaha County Planning and Zoning Commission.

Commercial Unit Lead for South Dakota, eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota for DuPont Pioneer. Responsible for leading a team of over 350 sales representatives and employees focused on seed sales, marketing, agronomy, precision agriculture, training, research, logistics, production and agricultural policy needs in the region. Offering a product line of corn, soybeans, sunflowers, canola, sorghum, alfalfa and inoculants in addition to Encirca Services for precision agriculture.

Led the DuPont Pioneer corporate industry relations team responsible for a global engagement strategy focusing on collaborative stakeholder relationships in the areas of biotechnology, product regulatory approvals, agricultural sustainability, biofuels and farm policy.Worked closely with DuPont Federal and State Government Affairs team and internal cross-functional issue teams.

Led six department divisions as SD Secretary of Agriculture: Agriculture Regulatory Services; Agricultural Economic Development; State Fair Park; Wildland Fire Suppression; Resource Conservation and Forestry; and Agricultural Policy. Established department vision, goals, priorities and provided the resources and support necessary to achieve goals.Established department legislative priorities, drafted legislation, lobbied and testified.Balanced competing and diverse interests between divisions, departments and taxpayers by building and maintaining effective relationships with farmers, ranchers, farm groups, agricultural businesses, universities, elected officials and other state and federal agencies.Delivered effective presentations to small and large groups to educate, inform and influence opinions and policy outcomes.Provided advice and recommendations to the Governor on a wide range of politically sensitive farm, ranch, food and renewable energy issues dealing with agricultural law, policy, regulatory, zoning and development.Responsible for a staff of 144 FTE, a budget of $15 million and a loan portfolio of $80 million.