Chamber names 2024 Farm Family and Agribusiness Citizen of the Year

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce has named Jeff and Nancy Kirstein as the 2024 Farm Family of the Year and Phil DeGroot as the 2024 Agribusiness Citizen of the Year.

The Kirsteins own and operate Good Earth Farm, located near Lennox, South Dakota. They use a Community Supported Agriculture model and also embrace agri-tourism, welcoming visitors to their farm to enjoy pizza, drinks and interacting with the animals.

DeGroot is an Ag Banker with The First National Bank in Sioux Falls. He also farms 150 acres in northwest Iowa. 

DeGroot has been an active volunteer for the Sioux Empire Livestock Show for more than a decade, serving at swine show superintendent and most recently as volunteer lead for the Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions.

The Chamber’s Agribusiness Division sponsors the Farm Family of the Year and Agribusiness Citizen of the Year awards in recognition of the importance of agriculture to our region and state. A subcommittee nominates deserving families and individuals to be considered for the award and the voting members of the Agribusiness Division Advisory Council select the winners.

Both the Kirsteins and DeGroot will be recognized at the Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions on Jan. 26. The event is part of the 71st annual Sioux Empire Livestock Show, which takes place Jan. 23-28. The Farm Family also shares their expertise by sitting on the Chamber’s Agribusiness Division Advisory Council for the year.