2025 ANNUAL MEMBER MEETING

Justin Deutsch of Langford, South Dakota, grows corn and soybeans alongside his brother on their farm on the Day/Marshall County line. In his community, Justin serves on his local fire department. At Agtegra, Justin has served two terms as a delegate and a one-year term as a nonvoting advisory director. Justin believes that his experience in Agtegra’s governance, ability to solve problems and understanding of how the cooperative system works will serve him well in the delegate role. When asked why he is passionate about the cooperative system, Justin replied: “It’s important to help guide Agtegra for the benefit of the member-owners. In the future, I see Agtegra continuing to grow with influence not only locally, but globally.”

 Casey Nilsson of Mansfield, South Dakota, runs a feedlot and grows corn and soybeans alongside his dad on their family farm. In his community, Casey coaches at the local high school and serves on the local fire department. Additionally, Casey has served as both a delegate and as a nonvoting advisory director for Agtegra. When asked about what qualities he believes will serve him well as a liaison between the board and the members, Casey responded: “I believe that I am a good communicator who is able to relay the appropriate information to the correct people. I feel that that is important to be able to make sure that every producer can be heard regardless of their size or position.”

 Matthew Sperry of Bath, South Dakota, grows corn and soybeans on his family’s farm alongside his dad and brother. While attending SDSU for agronomy and precision agriculture, Matthew interned at Agtegra in the research plots prior to graduating and returning home to farm. Matthew has served as an Agtegra delegate for three years. When asked why he is passionate about the cooperative system, Matthew responded: “Cooperatives provide meaningful solutions for its members, fulfilling a need that no one else is capable of or willing to facilitate. Serving as a delegate allows me to continue the legacy of governance my great grandpa started for my family farm. I will also take up the same task of ensuring Agtegra remains a trusted resource for farmers for generations to come.”

 Carson Stange of Stratford, South Dakota, grows corn, soybeans and wheat and raises cattle alongside his wife on their farm near Stratford. Carson has served on his township board, is a district representative for the SD Soybean Checkoff, and has graduated from the SD Ag and Rural Leadership program. Additionally, he has served as an Agtegra delegate for the past three years. When asked about why he is passionate about the cooperative system, Carson responded: “I’m passionate about the cooperative system because it helps provide essential services and products for our farms. It is important for me to be involved because I want to stay informed on how our investments in the co-op are being managed.”

Mike Vogel of LaMoure, North Dakota, grows corn, soybeans and canola on his farm. Mike has served on his local volunteer fire department for 25 years, including two years as fire chief. Combined with his educational background in operations management, Mike believes that his ability to solve problems, desire to help others and understanding of business operations will serve him well in the delegate role. When asked why he is passionate about the cooperative system, Mike responded: “It’s important to be a part of cooperative governance to help make decisions that will influence the agriculture community for the future.”

Don Eberle of Strasburg, North Dakota, has been farming for over 30 years on his farm near Strasburg. He grows wheat, soybeans, corn and sunflowers in addition to raising about 100 head of livestock. Don also has five children. In his community, Don serves as a county commissioner in addition to serving on the Farm Bureau Board and ASC board. Don has also served as an Agtegra delegate. When asked about why he is passionate about serving Agtegra as a delegate, Don replied: “I would love to continue being a voice for the community in my areas. I think I could bring understanding and different aspects and insights from the community to the table.”

Steven Gill of Java, South Dakota, runs a grain and feedlot operation with his two brothers. In his community, Steven has been active with the Java Fire Department for 12 years.  Steven is passionate about the cooperative system because they are a large part of the communities they serve, and he wants to see that continue for generations to come. When asked about how he believes his qualities will serve him well in the delegate role, Steven responded: “I enjoy talking to people, and I feel I would be good at taking the information from discussions with members and deciding which concerns should be addressed by the board to continue to make Agtegra a successful cooperative.”

Andy Hulm of Hague, North Dakota, grows spring wheat, corn and soybeans alongside his wife and son on their family farm. In his community, Andy is the president of the county housing board, an officer of the local Knights of Columbus council, on the board of directors for Strasburg State Bank and past president of the local fire department, in addition to serving several terms as a delegate at Agtegra. When asked why he is passionate about the cooperative system, Andy responded: “Cooperatives provide services that most other private sector businesses would not provide in rural areas.  In order that cooperatives remain strong and viable, it is important that we all get involved to ensure their continued success.”

Candice Mizera of McLaughlin, South Dakota, farms and ranches alongside her husband and team on her family’s farm west of McLaughlin where they run a cow-calf operation and grow spring wheat, chickpeas, oats, barley, sunflowers, rye, corn, soybeans, sedan, alfalfa and cover crops. Candice is a board member of the SD Soil Health Coalition and the Community Alliance Group in McLaughlin. When asked about the goals she has as a delegate, Candice replied: “My goal is to help make Agtegra a financially stronger cooperative for the future and ensuring our farmers can keep farming by keeping costs in check, paying down debt, passing along savings from bulk purchases and acquired supply chain savings to the farmers all while increasing marketing channels by selling custom-branded products to increase profitability and dividends.”

Ashley Terhark of McLaughlin, South Dakota, farms alongside her husband, sister and brother-in-law. They work together as Pfeifer Family Farms where they grow wheat, corn, soybeans and sunflowers. After graduating from SDSU with a degree in business and consumer affairs, Ashley worked as a senior sales consultant for the largest radio group in Sioux Falls before moving back to the family farm five years ago. Ashley believes that her eagerness to learn and listen are two qualities that will serve her well in the delegate role and provide her with an unbiased voice to help find the best path for the co-op. When asked why she was interested in serving as an Agtegra delegate, Ashley responded: “I’m excited to network again in an industry my family has worked in for generations, bring new concepts and ideas to our farm and make our co-op more efficient and productive.”