To help guide programming and ensure the Women's Ag Network reflects a range of statewide agricultural perspectives, the project is supported by an advisory committee that provides input on regional needs and leadership development:
- Kristi Cammack, assistant dean for West River operations for South Dakota State University’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
- Mike Jaspers, business development director for East River Cooperative and former South Dakota secretary of Agriculture
- Donita Fischer, CEO of Acre Inc., the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe’s agriculture corporation, and owner of Wóyute and Native Nations Rebuilder with the Bush Foundation
- Liv Stavick, executive director of the South Dakota Agri-Business Association
- Justine Rivard, an agricultural lender with Black Hills Federal Credit Union
The network is led by four hub managers from around the state:
Dew Bad Warrior-Ganje serves as the Eagle Butte area hub manager for the Women’s Ag Network, supporting women in agriculture, ranching, conservation and land stewardship across the Cheyenne River region. With more than 15 years of experience working alongside tribal governments and rural communities, she brings deep knowledge of tribal–federal relationships, land management systems and the policies affecting agriculture and natural resources. Her background includes work with the U.S. Census, service with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and leadership roles advancing Native-led tourism and agri-tourism through partnerships with the South Dakota Native Tourism Alliance and George Washington University.
Nikiah Hamilton, the Huron area hub manager, is a farmer, wife and mother who farms alongside her husband while managing two small businesses centered on compost and tallow. Rooted in regenerative practices and land stewardship, Hamilton brings a practical, hands-on perspective to her role as hub manager. She focuses on supporting, encouraging and connecting women in agriculture, with an emphasis on sustainable operations, peer learning and community-based leadership.
Brooke Hendrickx, Sioux Falls area hub manager, grew up on a diversified livestock operation in Minnesota and studied agricultural leadership at South Dakota State University. She now works as a lending assistant at First Dakota while remaining actively involved in livestock shows and youth agriculture events across the region. As hub manager, she bridges production agriculture with finance and leadership development, helping women connect across traditional and emerging ag roles.
Meg McNeese, the Spearfish area hub manager, is the chief operating officer of Rose Group International, a Spearfish-based business management consultancy. A ranch kid from Belle Fourche, McNeese brings experience guiding organizations through transition, change management and leadership development. As hub manager, she combines her professional expertise with deep agricultural roots to support women navigating growth, leadership and evolving roles within agriculture and related industries.
This story was produced by South Dakota News Watch, an independent, nonprofit organization. Read more stories and donate at sdnewswatch.org and sign up for an email to get stories when they're published. Contact: info@sdnewswatch.org.
