Director Spotlight: Steve Halverson

Steve Halverson is a fourth-generation farmer/rancher and operates a diversified farm consisting of winter and spring wheat, milo, corn and soybeans in Lyman County. He also runs a cow/calf operation and retains ownership of the calves. Additionally, since 1985, he has operated Halverson Hunts, a commercial pheasant hunting operation.

Halverson has an Associate of Arts degree in general agriculture from South Dakota State University and is a graduate of Class I of the South Dakota Ag and Rural Leadership program (SDARL).

In 2014, Halverson was involved with the Rails to the Future group and worked to rebuild the railroad from Chamberlain to Presho. The group worked closely with the cooperative to help secure state and federal funding for the project. As a result of this collaboration, he became extremely impressed with the co-op staff and board and their commitment to the memberowners of rural South Dakota. A few years later, he was approached to run for its board of directors.

“I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of this organization,” states Halverson.

Halverson has sat on several boards for organizations such as SD Wheat Growers, Rails to the Future, SD Wheat Commission, U.S. Wheat Associates, SD Corn, SD Habitat Conservation Fund and the SD Second Century Habitat Fund.

“Educate yourself on the industry and step up and run for a delegate or director position in your district,” says Halverson. “Agtegra needs leadership at the local level to be successful.”

Advice Halverson offers for those interested in getting more involved in the agriculture industry is to apply for SDARL, as he believes this program is a great start for anyone looking to become more involved. He also encourages people to attend local meetings and Agtegra’s annual meeting.