Walt Bones, Farmer
A fourth generation farmer near Parker, S.D., and former South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture, Bones discusses growing up on the family farm, his involvement in public service and offers great advice for learners of all ages.
Bones was born and raised on the family farm that his great grandfather homesteaded in 1879, southwest of Sioux Falls, S.D. After serving two and a half years as South Dakota’s Secretary of Agriculture, he currently farms with family members on a diversified crop, beef and dairy operation. His past involvement includes the South Dakota Farm Bureau, South Dakota Corn Growers, South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, Minnehaha County Planning and Zoning Board, Parker School Board, South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard’s Ag Advisory Council, South Dakota Jaycees and more. He currently serves on the Avera Foundation board, Avera Rural Cancer Task Force, Groundworks-Midwest board and the Rush-Co board of directors. Bones graduated from Iowa State University with an animal science degree.
“Be yourself. Be the best one of you that you possibly can be.”
