PIERRE, S.D. – A new executive director will be joining the South Dakota Beef Industry Council.
In this key leadership position, Minnesota native Jon Dilworth will oversee the Council’s statewide beef promotion, education, and research programs funded through the Beef Checkoff. He will serve as a primary voice for South Dakota’s cattle producers while leading strategic outreach, retail and foodservice collaboration, and producer engagement initiatives that strengthen beef demand from pasture to plate.
Dilworth brings a wealth of experience across the beef supply chain—from production and education to promotion and food processing. Most recently, he served in operations leadership at Hormel Foods, a Fortune 500 global food company headquartered in Austin, Minnesota.
Prior to his role at Hormel, Dilworth served as Director of Industry Relations for the Minnesota Beef Council, where he led producer communication efforts, coordinated retail and foodservice promotional campaigns, and represented Minnesota’s cattle producers at trade shows, conferences, and consumer education events. His work emphasized grassroots engagement and strengthening the impact of the Beef Checkoff program throughout the state.
He also currently serves as President of the Olmsted County Fair Board in Southeast Minnesota. Under his leadership, the fair has expanded its programming in agriculture, STEM education, and livestock exhibitions. His commitment to youth involvement and ag literacy has helped elevate the fair’s reputation and deepen its connection to the beef and farming community.
Raised on a diversified crop and livestock farm in Southeast Minnesota, Dilworth has deep roots in agriculture. He spent his youth raising and showing Hereford cattle, participating in 4-H and FFA, and attending events like the Hereford Junior Nationals. These early experiences shaped his passion for advocacy and education within the beef industry.
After graduating from Goodhue High School, he attended South Dakota State University (SDSU), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education in 2018. While at SDSU, he was highly involved in the marching and pep bands, often traveling with the Jackrabbit athletic teams during tournament seasons—a reflection of his team-first mindset and energy.
Following graduation, Dilworth taught high school agriculture to grades 7–12 in South Dakota, then returned to Minnesota to serve as an Extension Educator in Renville County. In that role, he worked with youth, producers, and rural communities to advance agricultural learning and leadership.
He is currently completing his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Grand Canyon University, with graduation anticipated in December. His graduate studies further strengthen his strategic leadership, financial management, and organizational development skills.
“I’m incredibly honored to return to South Dakota and serve its producers as Executive Director of the South Dakota Beef Industry Council,” said Dilworth. “My passion has always been advocating for the beef community—from the farm to the consumer—and I’m excited to work alongside producers, partners, and stakeholders to grow trust in beef and ensure our industry continues to thrive.”