Rebecca & Chris

Hosts

Phew!  Season One was a tsunami of tales and insight from a baker’s dozen of talented, gracious South Dakota women.  What an ocean of ag-related opportunities our guests identified and seized.  We are awash in admiration of their inner strength to follow a path to their Best Jobs.  So, give a listen, let’s gather our breath, and we’ll convene in October for Season Two.  Phew! 

Sentel Schreier

Shepherd

You can’t go home again?  You can if you have the mustered confidence of Sentel Schreier aka Mr. Kolenkhov.  Just ask the 2500 Targhees she shepherds.  Remember, “Pressure and release.”  She’s never backed down whether loading bulls or taking on Rosie, the evil Shetland pony.  Belle Fourche is lucky to have Sentel back.  

Dr. Beth Thompson

State Veterinarian and Executive Secretary, South Dakota Animal Industry Board

Dr. Beth Thompson wins the trifecta

Best Job: SD State Veterinarian

Best Location: 2 blocks from Zesto

Best Aspiration: Sled dog vet crew

Heads up, this episode is a bit of a scream.

Amy Mesman

State Plant Health Director, South and North Dakota, USDA's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service

Listen.  Do you want to know a secret?  Grasshoppers, they’re so interesting.  They really are.  Just ask Amy Mesman, USDA’s SD State Plant Health Director.  Thank you to Amy for dedicated service protecting agriculture, grasslands, trees, and all SD flora.  Plus, a nod to the Fab 4-H.

Kelsey Geraets

Feedlot Manager,

JPJ Enterprises, Inc. 

On the job and in the boardroom, Kelsey Geraets earned her seat at the table. Managing JPJ Enterprises’ feedlot is just one of her talents. You won’t doubt her abilities after this meaty conversation. Don’t fill up on the tacos. Save room for the ribeye. Listen in and get on board(s).

Silka Kempema

Wildlife Biologist, 

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks 

Naturally, it’s a wild visit with Silka Kempema, South Dakota Game Fish and Parks wildlife biologist.  At one point, she goes overboard.  You otter listen.

Laurie Anderson, Ph.D.

Head and Professor, Geology and Geological Engineering

Director, Museum of Geology,

 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 

Explain South Dakota farming and ranch land terrain? Dr. Laurie Anderson has that covered. She’s a gem. And, she’s Head of the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at South Dakota Mines and Director of the Museum of Geology on campus. Cameos by a triceratops and freshwater dolphins.

Stephanie Bruggeman, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Biology, Augustana University

Dr. Stephanie Bruggeman created and teaches BIOL 216 – Beer, Bread, and Brie: Preserving the Planet. In this Augustana U course, Ag + Microbiology = epicurean delight. Indulge in this episode!

Sarah Waltner

Senior Director of Global Sales, Raven Industries

Sarah Waltner runs to hard problems. An Electrical Engineering degree was her first step in a career that takes her from sugarcane crops in Brazil, to tulips fields in The Netherlands, and delightfully, to South Dakota farmland. Her reflections instill confidence to dream and achieve. And, she answers the age-old question, “How smart is a pig?” 

Kelsey Scott

Director of Programs,

Intertribal Agriculture Council

Kelsey Scott has her hands full and a full life. Enhancing Indian resources, managing a herd, supplying beef direct to consumers, rebuilding community through food systems, and providing opportunities for youths.  The joys of ranch life. Amen. Mitakuye Oyasin. 

Rachel Frei

Urban Conservationist for South Dakota, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service

 Aah, the mystery of soil. Who wouldn't fall in love? Oh, and how do you get from Wisconsin to South Dakota? If you follow Rachel Frei's route you'll stop in Rhode Island, Denmark, and Greenland along the way. We should be so adventurous.

Leah Heidler

CPA and Shareholder,

Casey Peterson, LTD

 Taxes don’t tax Leah Heidler.  She likes numbers and providing her expertise to fellow farmers and ranchers. Oh, and she likes herding buffaloes, bow hunting, and milking her cow!  Doesn’t compute?  Have a listen, it all adds up. 

Abby Bischoff

Executive Director, 

Stockyards Ag Experience 

Climbing steps, flag football, farm-to-table education, community support, royal bloodlines, exquisite photography, leaps of faith, and a strawberry-rhubarb turnover. Press play for The Abby Bischoff Experience.

Stacy Hadrick 

Extension Associate, 

South Dakota State University

Time travel, agritourism, a runaway truck, thoughts of fashion, economics, beef, life on the ranch, patience, and a carousel ride.  Rebecca and Chris welcome Stacy Hadrick for an action-packed, half-hour conversation.

Rebecca & Chris 

Hosts

Open the curtain on what to expect from the Best Job in South Dakota podcast.