SOUTH DAKOTA
WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE
"Educating women who are making a difference in rural America."
South Dakota Women In Ag: Leadership
The South Dakota Women in Agriculture is led by a group of talented women who represent this multi-faceted industry we all love: agriculture. These ladies call South Dakota home and, on a daily basis, are "in the trenches" - in the field, on horseback, in an office, or on the road... living, breathing, and promoting agriculture. Meet the women who lead our oganization: our executive committee, our board members and our resource committee.
executive committee
Amy Pravecek
President
Jenn Stomprud
Vice President
Dawn Nagel
Secretary
Ann Mackaben
Treasurer
Dawn Nagel, of Gettysburg, is the County Executive Director for the South Dakota Farm Service Agency in Sully County. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Ag Education; her Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Human Resources and Communication from South Dakota State University.
Dawn is very active in her community—serving on Gettysburg’s city council and as the South Dakota FFA alumni president. She is a member of SDARL's class VII alumni; she’s a 4-H leader in Potter County, and is also a member of Avera’s rural cancer advisory board. Of all the roles she’s served, however, Dawn’s greatest passion is working on her family’s farm.
Dawn is currently the secretary for the South Dakota Women in Ag. Her favorite aspect of the annual conference is the networking—the time to focus on where agriculture is headed for producers and consumers. Dawn says, "I enjoy the opportunity to learn from fellow ag enthusiasts and appreciate the value of generation differences at the conference."
Amy Pravecek grew up in Hill City. She lives near Alva, WY with her husband Ben, son Paxton. Her daughter Payton is a student at South Dakota State University (SDSU).
Amy graduated from SDSU. She is a Territory Business Manager for Zoetis – where she enjoys working with producers and ag businesses in western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming.
Amy is a well-known ag advocate and a strong supporter and mentor for local FFA and 4-H programs. She enjoys being involved in different ag organizations. In 2016, she graduated from class VIII of South Dakota Ag and Rural Leadership and is an active alumni member.
Amy joined the SDWIA board in 2013, and is currently serving as president. Her favorite aspect of the annual conference is the comradery of ag women of all ages, from all over the state. Amy encourages anyone to attend the conference saying, “It is a fantastic time to socialize, learn and re-fuel your tank with other like-minded, inspirational women.”
Jenn Stomprud grew up on the beaches of Hawaii, spent time surrounded by the mountains in Montana and made her way to the prairie of western South Dakota. Since moving to the family ranch - near Maurine, SD - in 2007, Jenn, her husband and three children have had a steep learning curve.
With no agricultural background but a degree in education, Jenn knows the importance of continued learning. She has participated in programs such as Annie’s Project and BeefSD which have helped her establish some agricultural foundations and build relationships with others in the industry.
In her spare time, Jenn loves to travel, play music and design jewelry.
Jenn continues to be a hands-on learner and says the conferece presents a unique avenue to gain and share knowledge about agriculure; "I'm always looking for opportunities to learn, share and encourage others to do the same, which is just one reason I'm a part of South Dakota Women in Ag."
Ann Mackaben is a familar face at the South Dakota Women in Ag conference. She's been an integral part of the organization and has served in numerous capacities. She is currently the treasurer.
Ann attended SDSU and later transfered to Western Dakota Technical Institute where she earned a business degree. She's held positions with federal agencies and with community banks - allowing her to work one-on-one with producers to help them reach their goals.
Ann and husband Ronny split their time between ranches in Broadus, MT and New Underwood, SD where they are raising cattle, and sharing their love of agriculture with their grandchildren.
During the annual conference, Ann will be found at the registration desk - one of her favorite tasks at the event. She says, "I love working with people. Seeing familiar faces and meeting new friends at the conference each year are highlights for me."
Codi Mills
Past President
Codi Mills currently serves as the editor of The Cattle Business Weekly newspaper. An agricultural journalism graduate of South Dakota State University, for the last 13 years she has spent her professional life dedicated to telling the stories of farm/ranch families and providing information that will help in their business decisions on the farm.
She was raised on a diversified farming and ranching operation near Nisland, SD where she, along with her husband, daughter and parents continue to raise cattle and crops. She is a graduate of class VI of South Dakota Ag and Rural Leadeship (SDARL) and is also a published children's book author.
Codi is served as the 2015-2016 SD Women in Agriculture President. She first attended a South Dakota Women in Ag Rural Women’s Conference in 2006 and has since been “hooked”. Codi says, "All the women – from those who make up the committee to the attendees – inspire me to live my agricultural life to the fullest."