Huron, SD (KELO AM) - Four women have been honored by the South Dakota Farm Bureau with the “Anne Hunter Volunteer Award” for their years of leadership in the Farm Bureau organization and in their communities. Diane Geigle of Wall, Joyce Haak of Winfred, Patty Kjerstad of Wall, and Deanna Leikvold of Beresford were recognized during the SDFB 97th Annual Meeting, held Nov. 21-22 in Sioux Falls.
“From our Women’s Leadership Team to Ag in the Classroom to mentoring young farmers and ranchers, these outstanding women have always said ‘yes’ when something can be done to better Farm Bureau and agriculture,” said Scott VanderWal, President of the South Dakota Farm Bureau. “On behalf of our entire Farm Bureau family, we offer our sincere thanks to Diane Geigle, Joyce Haak, Patty Kjerstad, and Deanna Leikvold, the 2014 winners of the Anne Hunter Volunteer Award.” Diane Geigle of Wall has been actively involved in the Pennington/Jackson County Farm Bureau and the SDFB Women’s Leadership Team for many years. She was worked to bring agriculture information into local schools through Ag in the Classroom and as a volunteer using Farm Bureau’s “accurate ag books.” Diane has dedicated many hours to Farm Bureau Camp, helping recruit campers, serving as a counselor, and much more. She is especially supportive of young ranchers and families who want to become involved in Farm Bureau and leadership activities.
Joyce Haak of Winfred has been a leader in the Miner County Farm Bureau for many years, serving as Women’s Committee Chair of her County, and also representing District 2 on the SDFB Women’s Leadership Team. In 1994 she was elected Chair of the SDFB Women’s Leadership Team, a position she held until 2005. She also served as the Midwest Region Women’s Committee Representative for the American Farm Bureau Federation for 8 years. Joyce always puts 110 percent effort in to whatever she does, and does so with a smile.Patty Kjerstad of Wall became involved in Farm Bureau when she and her husband, Dick, joined in 1972. She has served as Treasurer of the Pennington/Jackson County Farm Bureau for the past 24 years, maintaining all membership and financial records during this time. She was SDFB’s very gracious “First Lady” when her husband, Dick, served as the organization’s President from 1994 to 2005. Patty continues to be actively involved, rarely missing a state or national convention and continuing to mentor young farmers and ranchers who are interested in getting involved.
Deanna Leikvold of Beresford has been actively involved in the Clay/Union County Farm Bureau, representing her area on the SDFB Women’s Leadership Team 1988-93 and serving as Vice Chair from 1994-96. She worked on the SDFB Camp Committee 1989-94 and served as Camp Committee Chair in 1993 and 1994. Starting in 1988, she volunteered many hours with Ag in the Classroom, visiting 12 to 16 schools each year delivering Little Red Barns and other ag materials to classrooms. Deanna is known for putting her whole heart into every project and presentation.
Taken together, the efforts of these four ladies represent more than 125 years of volunteerism for Farm Bureau.