Jeff Lakner Inducted into SD Cooperative Hall of Fame

Jeff Lakner of Wessington, South Dakota was inducted into the South Dakota Cooperative Hall of Fame on Monday, August 3, 2026, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Jeff served two decades on the board of directors for Agtegra Cooperative, helping guide one of the largest farmer-owned cooperatives in the United States through periods of significant growth, modernization and strategic investment.

The South Dakota Cooperative Hall of Fame is the highest honor the cooperative community bestows on those who have made significant contributions to cooperatives in the state.

Jeff operates Lakner Farms LLC alongside his wife, Myrna, and their son, Andrew, and daughter-in-law, Marisa. Together, they have built a nationally recognized diversified crop and livestock operation focused on sustainability, conservation and responsible stewardship.

Jeff’s commitment to the cooperative system is reflected in decades of service at the local, regional and national levels. He served on the Agtegra Board of Directors from 2004-2024 and the Land O’Lakes, Inc. Board of Directors from 2014-2022.

“Jeff’s induction into the South Dakota Cooperative Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of a legacy of serving others, strengthening the cooperative system and advancing agriculture in South Dakota and beyond,” Agtegra Board Secretary Steve Halverson said.

In addition to Jeff’s cooperative leadership, he has played integral roles as a member in a variety of other agricultural organizations, including the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research Advisory Council, Nationwide Insurance Sponsor Board Advisory Council and the AgriCapital Advisory Group.

Jeff’s leadership in the agriculture industry has not gone unnoticed. In 2010, Jeff received the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) Cooperative Director of the Year award, and in 2025, he was named an Eminent Leader in Agriculture, Family and Community by South Dakota State University.

Throughout his career, Jeff has demonstrated visionary leadership, thoughtful governance and a steadfast commitment to strengthening agriculture and rural communities.

“Beyond his leadership skills, what I admire most about Jeff is his ability to balance so many responsibilities. Between the family farm, cooperative leadership, community involvement, industry boards and countless other commitments, he somehow managed to keep all the balloons in the air. That takes discipline, dedication and a deep commitment to serving others,” Halverson said.