SD Soybean Stories

What does it mean to farm with the future in mind? Next Gen Farmer Corey Chicoine shares how growing up on his South Dakota family farm shaped his approach to agriculture, the lessons he's learned from his dad and why every decision he makes is focused on creating opportunities for generations to come.

For more than 125 years, one South Dakota family farm has been rooted in hard work, resilience and family. Meet Jordan Scott, a fifth-generation farmer carrying on his family's legacy while raising the next generation and sharing the story of modern agriculture.

Kelsey Geraets is a feedlot manager on her family’s South Dakota farm, where she manages daily cattle care and operation tasks. Raised in agriculture, she returned home after college and now works alongside her family to continue the operation while navigating the responsibilities of the next generation in farming.

Luke Hennebold is a 23-year-old rancher from Winner, South Dakota, building his own seedstock operation with registered Hereford bulls. Combining lessons from his family’s ranching heritage with his animal science education, Luke focuses on genetics, maternal traits, and performance to produce bulls that thrive in real-world herds.

Learn how Ross Tschetter blends multi-generational farm experience with leadership and new ideas to grow a resilient, sustainable South Dakota farm.

Lake Preston farmer Jon Nelson blends generations of experience with forward-thinking practices to keep his family farm thriving. From improving soil health to mentoring the next generation, Jon’s story is one of care, commitment, and legacy.

Calli Williams didn’t grow up ranching—but that didn’t stop her and her husband from building TW Angus from the ground up. From feeding cattle with forklifts to raising steers for their own beef business, Calli shares what it’s like to be a first-generation rancher, a mom of boys, and a passionate voice for South Dakota agriculture.

For Jake Storm, farming isn’t just about working the land—it’s about carrying on a legacy four generations strong. From childhood days spent shadowing his dad in the tractor to studying Precision Agriculture at Mitchell Technical College, Jake has always known he wanted to return to the family farm. Now, he’s blending time-tested traditions with modern technology to keep Storm Farms thriving for years to come.

Meet Brady Struck, a next generation farmer bringing new life to Struck Farm in Wolsey, SD! From reintroducing cattle to the operation to blending family heritage with innovation, Brady’s vision is clear: honor the past, embrace the future. 

As a farmer and fitness advocate, Amanda Nigg is bridging the gap between agriculture and wellness, helping farmers stay strong both physically and mentally. Check out how Amanda is empowering the ag community with routines designed for farm life and raising the next generation of healthy farmers.

Chad Nelsen from Viborg, SD, balances farming with running a seed business and boosting community spirit.

In the heart of Faulkton, South Dakota, April Bowar stands out as a leader in both farming and community engagement. Alongside her husband James, she helps on the Bowar Family Farm, grows corn and soybeans, and finds time to contribute locally through her work and advocacy. Learn more about her inspiring journey and vision for the future of agriculture

Discover how Marcus and Jenna Suhn balance family life and running Dakota Pro Air, a crop dusting business in South Dakota. From Marcus’s aviation passion to Jenna’s support, their journey showcases dedication, hard work, and community love.