The South Dakota Agricultural and Rural Leadership Program (SDARL) graduated 29 leaders in Class XII during a ceremony held in Baltic, SD, on March 30. The event was the culmination of an 18-month leadership development journey that began in November 2023.

“We’re confident that these new graduates will continue the tradition of leadership in their communities and throughout the state,” noted SDARL Program Director Jennifer Henrie. “They have demonstrated solid personal and professional growth through the program.”

The SDARL leadership program is a series of educational seminars that includes meetings in communities across South Dakota, one week in Washington, D.C., and an international study seminar. Class XII studied agriculture and rural issues in Argentina. Participants develop the skills, knowledge, and character necessary to serve in leadership roles in their communities. The seminar content includes improving public speaking, networking, broadening understanding of diverse cultures, studying local economic development, and increasing knowledge of state, local, national, and international issues affecting the state’s most essential industry – agriculture.

“The program is made possible through a funding structure that includes a fee paid by participants, and investments from our alumni, corporations, and associations who share our passion for strong leadership in the state,” said Janelle Booth, SDARL CEO. “Because we receive no direct state or federal funding, we’re grateful to our funding partners who make this experience possible.”

SDARL graduates serve as leaders in many capacities, including past Secretaries of Agriculture, presidents and executive officers of statewide commodity groups, legislators, county commissioners, and in numerous local, state, and national association and business positions. Every day the 355 graduates of the SDARL program have a positive and profound impact on agriculture and rural communities throughout the state.

The SDARL Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation, is the management and funding organization for the program. SDARL is currently accepting applications for the next leadership class through May 2, and participants will be selected in July 2025. For more information, visit the SDARL website at www.sdagleadership.com.