South Dakota Farmers Union recognizes Minority Leader Oren Lesmeister and Majority Leader Will Mortenson for their dedication to serving South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers with the Service to Agriculture award today, February 13 during South Dakota Farmers Union Legislative Day in Pierre.
“These two leaders worked diligently together during the 2023 legislative session ensuring their colleagues understand the needs of farmers and ranchers,” said Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union. “Their support is essential to family farmers and ranchers as we work with them during the 2024 session for more of the same. Due to the fact the majority of today’s legislators are far more removed from family farmers and ranchers while South Dakota’s No. 1 economic engine is agriculture.”
South Dakota Farmers Union is the state’s largest agriculture organization. The awards were presented on behalf of its nearly 19,000 members.
Working for South Dakota Agriculture
Lesmeister and Mortenson both grew up on South Dakota cattle ranches. Read on to learn about their passion for agriculture and their journeys to the South Dakota Legislature.
Oren Lesmeister and his wife, Tracy, are the third generation to operate the cow/calf operation his great-grandfather homesteaded in the early 1900s. To supplement the ranch income, the couple also own and operate a feed store, Fox Ridge Ag Supply.
His passion for agriculture and its people motivated him to serve as a state legislator.
“Today, even in South Dakota, our state is becoming more urban. It’s not a bad thing, but it is the reason we need to protect our way of life,” explained the State Minority Leader and District 28-A Representative. “There are more and more senators and representatives coming out of areas who do not understand what true farming and ranching life is like.”
Lesmeister said he became interested in politics nearly a decade ago when he was asked to drive to Pierre and testify. “Once I was sitting there listening to the discussion and testimony, I got interested in other bills that were being presented, so I started reading the bills.”
No stranger to public service – his parents both actively served on several community boards – when the legislator representing his district termed out and asked him to run, Lesmeister jumped at the opportunity.
A gregarious guy and small business owner, Lesmeister enjoyed the campaigning and found himself paying close attention to customers’ political thoughts and comments, when they stopped by Fox Ridge Ag Supply for feed, seed or other supplies.
“Talking to my customers is a great way to understand what my constituents want. I am also blessed to know virtually every member of the tribal council because I either went to school with them, or I grew up as neighbors to them,” said the 1984 graduate of Cheyenne Eagle Butte High School.
Although he didn’t win the first time he ran, Lesmeister decided to give it another try in 2016 and secured a seat. Through his role as a South Dakota State Legislator and Minority Leader Lesmeister said he works to continue to build bridges for family farmers and ranchers and provide a voice in the State Capitol for the issues that impact their farms, ranches, and families.
Will Mortenson grew up helping on his family’s Stanley County ranch, “from the time I was old enough to brave the cold and stay in the saddle.”
Today, the Majority Leader returns to help out on the ranch as often as possible. “I tell people I have two half-time jobs and one full-time job. My half-time jobs are serving as a legislator and cowhand for my dad and uncle.”
Today, the Majority Leader returns to help out on the ranch as often as possible. “I tell people I have two half-time jobs and one full-time job. My half-time jobs are serving as a legislator and cowhand for my dad and uncle.”
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Categories: South Dakota, General