Dr. Kristi Cammack

Dr. Kristi Cammack serves as the Assistant Dean for West River Operations for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at South Dakota State University (SDSU). An SDSU alum, she earned a B.S. in Animal Science in 1999. She also earned graduate degrees in Breeding and Genetics from the University of Nebraska (M.S.) and the University of Missouri (Ph.D.). Kristi served on the faculty in the Animal Science Department at the University of Wyoming for ten years before joining the ranks at SDSU in 2016. In her current role at SDSU, Kristi facilitates research and outreach activities in West River, and oversees facilities and personnel to support those activities. She also serves as the Director for the SDSU Center of Excellence for Bison Studies and is active in local agricultural organizations.

Donita Fischer

Donita Fischer serves as the first CEO of Acre, Inc., the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe’s agriculture corporation, which promotes research, development, and best practices in agriculture for the tribe. Fischer is also the owner of Wóyute, a micro grocery that carries whole foods and a bulk foods apothecary and Wóyute2Go, a takeout restaurant that features fast, homemade goodness. She is working to develop a Tribally Supported Agriculture model for a cooperative, Wóyute Wašté Akhíptaŋ; an integral part of a local food revolution. Being a good steward of Unci Maka (Mother Earth) and growing sustainable food is essential; promoting local buffalo, beef, produce and traditional gathering methods.

She has thirty years of experience in the non-profit field where she grew a passion for community and economic development in Indian Country. She graduated from Black Hills State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; she is a Native Nations Rebuilder with the Bush Foundation and is a certified nutrition coach.

She lives on the Cheyenne River Reservation, just outside Eagle Butte where her family practices small-scale sustainable efforts.

 Liv Stavick

Liv Stavick is the Executive Director of the South Dakota Agri-Business Association. She manages all aspects of the association – from financials to event planning to lobbying during South Dakota’s legislative session. Liv grew up in Veblen on her family’s first-generation seedstock ranch, Stavick Simmental. It was there, working alongside her dad and brother, that she developed a deeply rooted passion for agriculture and an aspiration to protect the rural way of life. This pursuit led her to Bozeman, MT where she obtained a degree in Political Science and Agricultural Business from Montana State University. She spent the next five years working for the Montana Farm Bureau Federation, lobbying on behalf of farmers and ranchers and coordinating their advocacy and leadership development program. After spending nine years in the mountains, the cows called her back home to Northeast South Dakota in 2023. When Liv isn’t helping on the family ranch, you can find her reading, horseback riding, or on a long walk with her blue heeler, Newt.

Mike Jaspers

Mike Jaspers is the Business Development Director for East River Cooperative, where he has been instrumental in fostering growth and innovation throughout the communities they serve. Before joining East River Cooperative, Mike had an extensive career in public service. His roles included serving as the Secretary of Agriculture for South Dakota, the State Director for USDA’s Rural Development and as a state legislator, serving in both the South Dakota House of Representatives and the South Dakota State Senate.

Further contributing to his rich background in agriculture, Jaspers holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanized Agriculture from South Dakota State University, operates a diversified crop and livestock farm and previously served as the Interim Executive Director for South Dakota Corn. His achievements have been recognized with various accolades, including the 2022 Excellence in Agriculture Award.

Jamie Johnson

Jamie was appointed by Governor Noem in December of 2023 to the SD Wheat Commission Board of Directors. She grew up in northeast Nebraska on an Angus cattle ranch. She graduated from Mount Marty University in 2004 with a B.A. in History and minors in English and Political Science.

Since 2005 Jamie and her husband, Brian, have been farming with his parents, Alan and Mickie Johnson, south of Frankfort, SD where they operate a diversified cattle and grain operation focusing on sustainability and stewardship. The Johnsons raise Angus cattle in addition to corn, soybeans, spring and winter wheat, cover crops, and forages. Leaders in conservation, the Johnsons were named the South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award winners for 2019, and were also named the Region 7 winners of NCBA’s Environmental Stewardship Award in 2020. In 2022, Jamie and her husband Brian were named the Upper Midwest Region winners of the ASA Conservation Legacy Award. Jamie recently was also honored nationally with the Olin Sims Conservation Leadership Award, which is given each year by NRCS and NACD to an up-and-coming leader who demonstrates excellence in promoting and leading voluntary conservation on private lands. Jamie and her husband have been featured in numerous media stories ranging from podcasts, tv and radio interviews, to print publications in newspapers and major ag magazines such as Successful Farming. They are also part of the SDSHC Mentor Network, NRCS Voices for Soil Health, and NACD Soil Health Champions Network.

Jamie also gives back to her local community. She serves on her church board, teaches CCD classes, serves on the Spink Conservation District Board, is the Frankfort Township Board Treasurer, and has served as a director on the South Dakota Soybean Association board. She also spends time volunteering as a 4-H Club, County, and State leader, as well as a volunteer for FFA. In addition, Jamie is a graduate of SDARL Class VIII.

Jamie and Brian have four children.

Justine Rivard

Justine Rivard is a dedicated professional with a rich background in both agriculture and finance. Growing up in Hot Springs, South Dakota, Justine developed a strong work ethic and a passion for raising and showing AQHA performance horses. This early experience instilled in her a deep appreciation for the agricultural community.

Since 2016, Justine has been a valued employee of Black Hills Federal Credit Union (BHFCU). Her journey at BHFCU began as a teller, and she has since held various roles including loan processor, agricultural support staff, ag credit analyst, and currently, a senior ag lender. Her diverse experience within the credit union has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of financial services and agricultural lending.

Outside of her professional life, Justine is a proud mom to her 11-year-old daughter. She enjoys spending quality time with her daughter and continuing her involvement with performance horses.