Director Spotlight: Kim Vanneman
Jan 25, 2024
Kim Vanneman and her husband, Clint, are co-owners of Vanneman Farms, which is located near Ideal, South Dakota. Their son, Justin, and daughter-in-law, Tasha, joined the operation in 2015. Together, they raise corn, soybeans, milo, winter wheat, oats, alfalfa and grass hay. They also have a commercial beef cattle herd and a small feedlot. Kim and Clint have three grown children and nine grandchildren.
Kim earned her agriculture business degree from South Dakota State University and is also a graduate of the South Dakota Ag and Rural Leadership program (SDARL).
During her six years in the South Dakota legislature as a representative, Kim served on the House Agriculture and Natural Resources committee, with two years as vice chair and two years as chair. In December 2018, Governor Kristi Noem appointed Kim as Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture. Additionally, Kim has served on the Farm Credit Services of America board as chair of the governance committee and human capital committee, Farm Credit Council board member as chair of the governance committee and compensation committee and Farm Credit Council Services board as member of the audit, compensation and executive committees. She also served two years as chair of the board for Farm Credit Foundations and served on audit, governance and human capital committees.
“Agriculture is the industry providing food, fiber and fuel for the world,” says Kim. “It is an industry tied to the land, offering so many opportunities, whether that be in technology, banking, insurance and so many other careers.”
Kim has served on Agtegra’s finance and community relations and government affairs committees. Her involvement on these committees enables her to help set the strategic direction of the cooperative.
“As a member of the cooperative, you are one of the owners,” states Kim. “It is important to be part of the governance of the company you are an owner of.”