HURON, S.D. – Preparing the next generation of agriculture leaders to step up is a focus of South Dakota Farmers Union Leadership camps, explained South Dakota Farmer’s Union (SDFU) President Doug Sombke.
“Providing rural youth with opportunities to develop their leadership skills is so important because today’s campers will be tomorrow’s policy committee and board members.”
Since they were eight-years-old, Chas Blotsky, Mission, S.D., and Aeriel Eitreim, Sioux Falls, S.D., have been involved in South Dakota Farmers Union Camps, leadership and educational programming.
In 2023, they received their Torchbearer Award, the highest award issued to Farmers Union youth leaders. They served together on the Junior and Senior Advisory Councils. And during the 2024 All State’s Camp, both were elected by their peers to serve on the National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC).
“I am very excited to see Chaz and Aeriel take this next step of leadership within the Farmers Union organization,” said Samantha Olson, SDFU Education Program Specialist. “As they transition out of our youth program into our adult organization, they bring a new light to young adults finding their path in Farmers Union. These two continue to grow their leadership skills by taking on roles like this one and will continue to provide new opportunities out their generation.”
In this role they will provide valuable insight into national youth programming and attend the National Farmers Union Fly-In and Convention.
“I am excited to bring leadership and knowledge to the team and learn more about how Farmers Union brings state issues to D.C. policymakers during the 2024 D.C. Fly- In,” Blotsky said.
Eitreim added that the leadership and communications experience they gained serving on the Junior and Senior Advisory Councils will assist them in this new role.
“Farmers Union has taught me a lot about working with others to accomplish shared goals,” Eitreim said. “As Junior Advisory Council members, we took personality tests and learned how each personality works and how to work with other personalities.”
Ahead of the election, Eitreim and Blotsky had to give a speech about the reasons they wanted to serve. Helping others was among the points Eitreim brought up in her speech.
“You are not the only one – you are a team. And you cannot let everyone else do all the work. As a leader, you need to step up and lend a helping hand whenever you can,” Eitreim said.
As a rancher pursuing a career in agriculture, Blotsky focused on the fact that Farmers Union is an organization that serves all agriculture producers, regardless of size or commodity. “I am excited to serve in a leadership role for an organization that represents me and all family farmers and ranchers because that means I can help all aspects of agriculture.”
To learn more about South Dakota Farmers Union youth programming and sign up for notifications about camp season 2025, visit www. sdfu.org and click on the Education link.
