August Featured Farmer: Heather Beaner

Posted: 8/24/2023

It’s no secret that agriculture is a driving force in South Dakota’s economy and rural communities.  Heather Beaner, manager of her family’s farm, Wal-Di Inc, is looking ahead to how new technologies and investments can make agriculture even more productive and build stronger connections between farmers and their rural neighbors and communities.

Beaner farms with her husband, Matt, near Mellette, South Dakota.  They have a son, Gabriel, and raise corn and soybeans.

Beaner grew up on her family farm, then spent 12 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force as a JAG officer attorney after graduation from the University of South Dakota School of Law.  She came home to farm with her father, Wayne Larson, in 2011.  Larson is now semi-retired and Beaner has transitioned into the management role.  

“I am excited about the technologies that are being developed that allow farmers to control pests and weeds in a more precise way,” she said.  “All the manufacturers are working on ways that we can apply less herbicide and more precisely control weeds.  If we can use less and be more precise, it is good for both farmers and consumers.”

Beaner is actively involved in a number of volunteer and agricultural programs in her local community and statewide, including serving as the secretary of the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, which oversees the soybean checkoff in the state.

“The Soybean Promotion & Research Council is looking for the best investment for both the South Dakota farmer and consumers, investing in research to increase production more sustainably, such as new varieties and better pest management, as well as developing new markets for soybeans,” she said.  “This includes new markets overseas, as well as research for new applications of soybeans, such as those in industrial applications.”

Sharing information about modern agriculture and soybean production is also an important priority.

“It is fun to see people’s eyes light up when we share information about how the soybeans they drive by are used in so many ways,” she said.  “It builds a better connection from the farm to the table and builds understanding about what farmers are growing and how it impacts each of us every day.”

She is also a member of the board of directors for Agtegra Cooperative and a Land O’Lakes Regional Council Representative and serves on a number of boards and advisory boards for state agriculture and education organizations.  She is also an active volunteer in her local American Legion Post, FFA Supporters and church. 

“Volunteer service is the cornerstone of South Dakota’s rural and ag organizations,” she said. “Our rural and conservative way of life that allows me to farm freely and successfully would not exist without these boards and organizations populated by servant farmers.”

Beaner emphasized the importance of farmers and organizations working together to improve practices and share their story with fellow South Dakotans and consumers around the world.  

“Agriculture is the number one industry in the state and the backbone of most communities,” she said. “Raising food for the world is our heritage, future, and God-given responsibility.”