If you’ve wandered through Lacroix Hall at the Black Hills Stock Show this week, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed paths with the South Dakota Farm Bureau booth. It’s been a familiar stop for decades, and for many longtime attendees, it feels like part of the rhythm of the show itself.

Lowell Messman, western regional manager with the South Dakota Farm Bureau, has been coming to the Black Hills Stock Show for nearly 30 years. That kind of consistency mirrors what Farm Bureau aims to provide for its members across the state.

“We’ve been here for a while for Farm Bureau, in the same spot in Lacroix Hall,” Messman said. “It’s been a great show so far. We like being here. Easy travel, the weather. You can’t beat it.”

That long-standing presence isn’t only about visibility. The Stock Show gives Farm Bureau a chance to connect directly with producers, families, and future members in a setting that already feels like home.

A busy season beyond the Stock Show

While the Stock Show keeps things lively in Rapid City, Farm Bureau is also preparing for one of its most important events of the year, Farm Bureau Day at the Legislature on February 10.

Each year, county leaders from across South Dakota gather for training and meetings, followed by an evening social that brings lawmakers and Farm Bureau members together. This year’s social will be held at Drifters in Pierre, marking a new location for the event.

“It is just a social,” Messman said. “That’s exactly what it is. Just a mingle with the legislators and the county leaders.”

The following day includes committee meetings at the Capitol, giving members an up-close look at how legislation moves through the process. For those interested in participating, registration details are available through the Farm Bureau website, and attendance is open.

“There’s always plenty of room and there’s always enough food wherever Farm Bureau goes,” Messman added.

Tracking legislation that impacts agriculture

Policy remains a central focus for Farm Bureau, especially during the legislative session. Messman addressed one bill in particular that has drawn attention this year, Senate Bill 1077, which relates to cell-cultured meat.

Farm Bureau does not support cell-cultured meat, but it also does not support the bill as written.

“It alters longstanding definitions of state law,” Messman explained. “It sets a dangerous precedent for South Dakota agriculture. If we can ban a federally approved product already in South Dakota, what is next? And it puts farmers and ranchers at risk. Agriculture relies on consistent rules and open markets.”

For those who want a broader view of current legislation, Farm Bureau maintains a bill tracker on its website that outlines positions on various measures impacting agriculture.

Investing in rural students

Beyond policy, Farm Bureau continues to invest in the next generation through its scholarship program. Applications for 2026 scholarships are due March 1, with awards ranging from $1,500 to $2,000.

The scholarships are available to students pursuing two- or four-year degrees, with one key requirement.

“If you’re going to apply for that, your parents needed to be a Farm Bureau member for two years,” Messman said.

Each year, five to eight scholarships are awarded statewide, depending on available funding from insurance partners. Participation has remained strong, and Farm Bureau encourages eligible students to apply.

Raffles, beef certificates, and Stock Show staples

The Farm Bureau booth is also known for bringing a little fun to the Stock Show floor. This year’s rifle raffle includes a 6.5 Creedmoor package with a scope and suppressor, with proceeds benefiting the South Dakota Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.

In addition, the booth is giving away three $100 beef certificates, along with smaller giveaways for visitors who stop by.

“All proceeds go to the South Dakota Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, which promotes agriculture,” Messman said.

The mix of education, policy discussion, and Stock Show tradition keeps foot traffic steady, and Messman says engagement has been strong throughout the week.

A familiar presence, year after year

As the Stock Show continues, Farm Bureau’s booth remains a place to ask questions, enter a raffle, or simply catch up with people who share a connection to agriculture in western South Dakota.

“I appreciate our members, appreciate being able to come out to the Stock Show every year,” Messman said. “It is a great show.”

For Stock Show attendees passing through Lacroix Hall, it’s a reminder that agriculture isn’t only about what happens in the ring. It’s also about policy, educatiIf you’ve wandered through Lacroix Hall at the Black Hills Stock Show this week, there’s a good chance you’ve passed the South Dakota Farm Bureau booth. For many longtime Stock Show attendees, it’s a familiar stop that feels like part of the event’s DNA, steady and reliable year after year.

That sense of continuity is something Lowell Mesman, western regional manager with the South Dakota Farm Bureau, knows well. Mesman says this marks his 29th year attending the Black Hills Stock Show, and Farm Bureau has been set up in the same spot in Lacroix Hall for decades.

“We’ve been here for a while for Farm Bureau, in the same spot in Lacroix Hall,” Mesman said. “It’s been a great show so far. We like being here. Easy travel, the weather. You can’t beat it.”

The Stock Show offers Farm Bureau a chance to connect face-to-face with producers, families, and future members in a setting that already brings the agricultural community together. It’s a natural fit for an organization focused on advocacy, education, and long-term stability for farmers and ranchers across South Dakota.

Preparing for Farm Bureau Day at the Legislature

While Stock Show week keeps Farm Bureau busy in Rapid City, attention is also turning toward one of the organization’s most important annual events. Farm Bureau Day at the Legislature takes place February 10 in Pierre and brings together county leaders, board members, and lawmakers from across the state.

The event begins with leadership training and board meetings, followed by an evening social designed to encourage informal conversations between legislators and Farm Bureau members. This year’s social will be held at Drifters, marking the first time the event has been hosted there.

“It is just a social,” Mesman said. “That’s exactly what it is. Just a mingle with the legislators and the county leaders.”

The following day includes time at the Capitol, where participants attend committee meetings and observe the legislative process firsthand. Members interested in attending can find registration details on the Farm Bureau website or simply plan to show up.

“There’s always plenty of room and there’s always enough food wherever Farm Bureau goes,” Mesman added.

Keeping an eye on legislation impacting agriculture

Legislative advocacy remains a central focus for Farm Bureau, especially during session. Mesman discussed one bill drawing particular attention this year, Senate Bill 1077, which relates to cell-cultured meat.

While Farm Bureau does not support cell-cultured meat, it also does not support the bill as written.

“It alters longstanding definitions of state law,” Mesman explained. “It sets a dangerous precedent for South Dakota agriculture. If we can ban a federally approved product already in South Dakota, what is next? And it puts farmers and ranchers at risk. Agriculture relies on consistent rules and open markets.”

For those who want to track additional legislation, Farm Bureau maintains a bill tracker on its website outlining positions on measures that affect agriculture and rural communities.

Scholarships supporting rural students

In addition to policy work, Farm Bureau continues to invest in the future of rural South Dakota through its scholarship program. Applications are due March 1, and scholarships range from $1,500 to $2,000.

The program is open to students pursuing two- or four-year degrees, with one primary requirement.

“If you’re going to apply for that, your parents needed to be a Farm Bureau member for two years,” Mesman said.

Each year, between five and eight scholarships are awarded statewide, depending on available funding from Farm Bureau’s insurance partners. Mesman encourages eligible students to apply, noting that participation has remained strong.

Stock Show traditions at the Farm Bureau booth

The Farm Bureau booth is also known for adding a little excitement to the Stock Show floor. For many years, the organization has hosted a rifle raffle, and this year’s package includes a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle with a scope and suppressor.

“All proceeds go to the South Dakota Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, which promotes agriculture,” Mesman said.

In addition, the booth is giving away three $100 beef certificates, along with smaller free items for visitors who stop by. The giveaways, paired with steady foot traffic, help keep conversations flowing throughout the week.

A familiar presence in Lacroix Hall

As the Black Hills Stock Show continues, the South Dakota Farm Bureau booth remains a place to ask questions, learn about current issues, or simply catch up with people who share a connection to agriculture in western South Dakota.

“I appreciate our members, appreciate being able to come out to the Stock Show every year,” Mesman said. “It is a great show.”

For those walking through Lacroix Hall, the booth serves as a reminder that agriculture extends beyond the arena. It includes policy, education, and community, all meeting in one familiar corner of the Stock Show. farm bureu scripton, and community, all meeting in one familiar corner of the building.