By Scout Nelson
South Dakota Farmers Union celebrates farm and ranch mothers who play an important role in supporting families and agriculture across the state. The organization highlights women whose daily work helps strengthen homes, farms, ranches, and rural communities.
One featured mother is Brenda Reis, who ranches with her husband David near Reliance. She values family time and preserves memories through photo books she creates for her grandchildren each Christmas. The books include brandings, rodeos, fishing, cattle work, fencing, camping trips, and family gatherings. She and David continue enjoying these moments with children and grandchildren.
Brenda says the family philosophy is simple: “spend time with your kids.” She explains that when their children were young, they joined daily ranch work such as feeding calves, fencing, and riding horses. By working beside their parents, the children learned responsibility, strong work habits, and livestock skills.
Brenda also grew up on a ranch near Fort Thompson, where she helped care for horses and enjoyed rodeos. Later, she and David encouraged their children to explore life beyond the ranch after high school. They also gave each grandchild a heifer calf at age 5, helping them save earnings for future education or life goals.
Another featured mother is Lindsey Hinsvark, who lives with her husband Lance and their children near Gary. The family raises crops and cattle while also balancing off-ranch careers. Lindsey owns a salon called The Beauty Barn, and Lance works as an agronomist.
Lindsey focuses on simple family moments and outdoor living. She says picnics, time outside, and limited screen use help create lasting memories. She schedules work around family life and values the short years when children are young.
Her mother, Anna Jennings, also spends time helping the family. Lindsey says she admires her mother and credits a happy childhood for inspiring her own family dreams.
These stories show how farm and ranch mothers guide children, manage businesses, support agriculture, and pass strong values to future generations.
Photo Credit: istock-scharfsinn
Categories: South Dakota, Rural Lifestyle