Michelle Rook (WNAX, Yankton, SD) will be recognized as the 2016 South Dakota Governor’s Ag Ambassador on June 2, at the annual Governor’s Agricultural Summit in Brookings, SD. “Agriculture has a tremendous advocate in Michelle,” said Governor Dennis Daugaard. “She has devoted many years to telling the story of farm and ranch families who work hard to provide a safe, affordable food supply in South Dakota and beyond.” Michelle is the farm director at WNAX Radio in Yankton, SD and a reporter for the nationally syndicated television programs, AgDay and U.S. Farm Report. She has served as a meteorologist at KSFY-TV in Sioux Falls and KTIV-TV and KMEG-TV in Sioux City, and as anchor and producer of Today’s Ag as part of her job as the South Dakota State University Extension Radio/TV Specialist.
Through Rook’s professional speaking and freelance business, she does professional videos and commercials for agricultural clients regionally and nationally. Michelle was NAFB president in 2006. She was selected as the NAFB Horizon Award winner in 2002, NAFB Farm Broadcaster of the Year in 2008 and the recipient of the first annual The Doan award in 2015. “Michelle has a love for agriculture that comes from growing up on a family dairy and crop farm near Clear Lake, SD,” said interim South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Dr. Dustin Oedekoven. “She is a tireless promoter of agriculture and an effective voice for the hard work, stewardship and dedication of our state’s farmers and ranchers.” This is the sixth year a Governor’s Ag Ambassador has been recognized. Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing more than 115,000 South Dakotans.
Key Achievements of the Ag Ambassador – Provides visionary leadership to South Dakota’s agricultural industry. Champions growth and prosperity of the state’s number one industry. Advocates for agricultural practices and responsible stewardship of livestock and land; and highlights the significance of South Dakota agriculture to the global food system. Influences decision makers to develop and implement sound agricultural policies.
Michelle’s Reaction – “This is such a special honor for me. I was a farmer’s daughter before I became a farm broadcaster and agriculture is my passion. I consider it a real privilege to work with and represent the state’s farmers and agribusiness community and provide them with the information they need on a daily basis to run their business. I am also proud to be able to share agriculture’s important story of food, fuel and fiber production with consumers.”
