After 17 years in radio, farm broadcaster Jody Heemstra is changing careers, returning to her home state to become Public Affairs Manager for the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) headed by Secretary of Agriculture Lucas Lentsch. Jody worked in radio in South Dakota for more than 15 years, before joining the Red River Farm Network (Grand Forks, ND) in August 2013. "I've had the chance to work with several great broadcasters and journalists during my radio career. I'm looking forward to coming home and working with them, and many more, in my new role. Agriculture is South Dakota's number one industry. I'm excited for the opportunity to help spread the word about what the South Dakota Department of Agriculture is doing to encourage, protect and develop agriculture in our state. I'm looking forward to working with farmers and ranchers, media, government officials, legislators and the agriculture groups to see how we can make agriculture even better in South Dakota."

Secretary of Agriculture Lentsch said, “I’m very excited to have Jody as part of my team at SDDA. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge about the communication world, specifically in agriculture. Jody is an incredible addition to the department.” Jody grew up on her family’s crop and dairy farm in southeast South Dakota. She earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism from South Dakota State University in May 1998 and is a Class V graduate of the South Dakota Agricultural and Rural Leadership program. As an active member of NAFB, she has served on the Board of Directors as the West Region Vice President. Jody has been recognized for her agricultural communication work by a number of commodity organizations as well as groups such as the South Dakota State FFA Association and county 4-H Extension offices. She will be based in Pierre, SD.