Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year Award

We are now accepting nominations for this year's Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year Award via the form below. If you have any questions about the information requested or trouble with the form, please visit the Contact Us page and send us your questions.

Nomination Form

What is the Dakotafest Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year Award?

This award honors the hard-working female farmers/ranchers from across South Dakota who selflessly give their time to growing the crops and raising the livestock needed to feed the world. So many times, women on the farm/ranch wear multiple hats, tirelessly contributing to the farm/ranch but also participating in community, raising children or working outside the home. And for that commitment, we want to say thank you.

How To Enter

Review the entry questions below and gather the information for the person you're nominating. Tell us all the wonderful stories and background that make this amazing woman farmer who they are and tell us why they deserve to be rewarded. It could be your mother, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, best friend or neighbor...anyone you know who dedicates her life to her farm, community and family.

Eligibility & Criteria

The entrant or nominee('s):

• Entries may be completed by families, relatives or friends of an eligible female farmer or by the nominee herself.
• Must farm or ranch as a sole proprietor or one part of a couple, family or partnership.
• Farm must be located entirely within the state of South Dakota.
• May work outside the home or farm but must contribute to the farming/ranching operation in addition to the duties outside the farm.
• Has a high level of commitment to the farm/ranch in terms of hours dedicated to her work.
• Has a positive impact on the farm in terms of income, yield, diversification, and/or overcoming challenges.
• Nominee demonstrates not only impact on the farm but also positive impact on her community.
• Is highly encouraged to be available to attend an recognition ceremony on August 20, 2026.
• Must agree to be featured in Dakotafest advertising, news stories and social media.
• Must provide at least 1 photo with the application.
• Must be a legal resident of the United States, and eighteen years of age or older.

Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year Selection

The nomination window closed on June 5, 2026. A committee of representatives will review the qualifying applications and select 5 finalists. Finalists will be notified on or about June 19, 2026 and the winner will be announced at a recognition ceremony on August 20, 2026 taking place on stage at Dakotafest.

Each of the finalists will be recognized in honor of their efforts in farming at the Women in Ag event and in news and social media.

Thanks to our sponsors, the Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year will receive a $1,000 cash prize along with recognition of all her hard work and accomplishments.