Knock Inducted into SDAC Hall of Fame
Aug 15, 2025
The South Dakota Association of Cooperatives (SDAC) inducted Wallace “Wally” Knock of Willow Lake, South Dakota, as the 100th inductee into the South Dakota Cooperative Hall of Fame on Monday, August 4, 2025, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The SDAC Hall of Fame is the highest honor the cooperative community bestows on those who have made significant contributions to the state.
Wally and his wife, Kathy, farm with their son, Jared, and his wife, Kati; and their daughter, Jennifer, and her husband, Joe. Together, they run a diversified crop and livestock farm where they grow corn, soybeans and hay; run cow/calf pairs; custom feed pigs and lamb out ewes.
As a current Agtegra Cooperative director, Wally has served on Agtegra’s board for over 24 years, including more than a decade as the board’s secretary. His leadership has helped shepherd Agtegra through transformational growth, successful mergers and millions in capital reinvestment.
Characterized by unwavering commitment, visionary thinking and tireless advocacy for South Dakota agriculture and rural communities, Wally’s life and career exemplifies the essence of cooperative leadership. His influence across South Dakota’s cooperative landscape is built on the foundation of a life lived in service—anchored in values, shaped by experience and driven by a clear vision for the future of rural communities. Beginning his farming career during the economic hardships of the 1980s, Wally quickly recognized cooperatives weren’t just helpful – they were essential.
“Wally Knock is more than a cooperative leader—he’s a statesman, a servant, and a friend. His presence commands respect, his insight brings wisdom, and his actions speak volumes,” Agtegra Board President Rick Osterday said.
Wally also serves as South Dakota’s sole representative on the Land O’Lakes board of directors, providing a voice for the state’s producers in national-level discussions focused on innovation, sustainability and long-term cooperative strength. His involvement in this role exemplifies statesmanship—advocating for the greater good with a deep understanding of both the local impact and broader cooperative system.
As chairman of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives’ (NCFC) Animal Agriculture Subcommittee for over a decade, Wally has guided national advocacy efforts on behalf of livestock producers, influencing federal policy on issues ranging from nutrition to environmental stewardship. He regularly meets with policymakers in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the cooperative system and South Dakota agriculture.
In addition to his work with Agtegra and Land O’Lakes, Wally’s leadership roles have included serving as chairman of Dakotaland Feeds Board of Governors, president of the South Dakota Value-Added Agriculture Development Center, 21 years on the Willow Lake School Board (18 of which he served as chairman), Clark County commissioner, now serving his second term as chair, ten years as a 4-H leader, chairman of the Lake Gospel Church council, and active community member and mentor across generations.
Wally is also a member of several state ag associations, including the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, Pork Producers Council, Corn Growers and Soybean Association. He has also consistently pursued continuing education and governance training, obtaining his FCC Services Advanced Governance Certification and the South Dakota Association of Cooperatives Director Certification. A graduate of South Dakota Ag and Rural Leadership (SDARL) Class III, Wally exemplifies a lifelong commitment to learning and improvement.
Wally’s most enduring impact, however, may be his mentorship. He has helped shape countless new cooperative directors, ensuring tomorrow’s leaders are prepared to continue the legacy of thoughtful, member-focused governance. He does not impose his views; he inspires action through listening, learning and leading by example.
“One of the most telling signs of Wally’s character is how we strategically seat new, non-voting members next to him in board meetings,” Rick said. “Why? Because we know that if they sit beside Wally, they’ll learn—how to listen, how to lead, and how to serve with integrity. That’s mentorship. That’s impact.”
The SDAC Hall of Fame is the highest honor the cooperative community bestows on those who have made significant contributions to the state.
Wally and his wife, Kathy, farm with their son, Jared, and his wife, Kati; and their daughter, Jennifer, and her husband, Joe. Together, they run a diversified crop and livestock farm where they grow corn, soybeans and hay; run cow/calf pairs; custom feed pigs and lamb out ewes.
As a current Agtegra Cooperative director, Wally has served on Agtegra’s board for over 24 years, including more than a decade as the board’s secretary. His leadership has helped shepherd Agtegra through transformational growth, successful mergers and millions in capital reinvestment.
Characterized by unwavering commitment, visionary thinking and tireless advocacy for South Dakota agriculture and rural communities, Wally’s life and career exemplifies the essence of cooperative leadership. His influence across South Dakota’s cooperative landscape is built on the foundation of a life lived in service—anchored in values, shaped by experience and driven by a clear vision for the future of rural communities. Beginning his farming career during the economic hardships of the 1980s, Wally quickly recognized cooperatives weren’t just helpful – they were essential.
“Wally Knock is more than a cooperative leader—he’s a statesman, a servant, and a friend. His presence commands respect, his insight brings wisdom, and his actions speak volumes,” Agtegra Board President Rick Osterday said.
Wally also serves as South Dakota’s sole representative on the Land O’Lakes board of directors, providing a voice for the state’s producers in national-level discussions focused on innovation, sustainability and long-term cooperative strength. His involvement in this role exemplifies statesmanship—advocating for the greater good with a deep understanding of both the local impact and broader cooperative system.
As chairman of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives’ (NCFC) Animal Agriculture Subcommittee for over a decade, Wally has guided national advocacy efforts on behalf of livestock producers, influencing federal policy on issues ranging from nutrition to environmental stewardship. He regularly meets with policymakers in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the cooperative system and South Dakota agriculture.
In addition to his work with Agtegra and Land O’Lakes, Wally’s leadership roles have included serving as chairman of Dakotaland Feeds Board of Governors, president of the South Dakota Value-Added Agriculture Development Center, 21 years on the Willow Lake School Board (18 of which he served as chairman), Clark County commissioner, now serving his second term as chair, ten years as a 4-H leader, chairman of the Lake Gospel Church council, and active community member and mentor across generations.
Wally is also a member of several state ag associations, including the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, Pork Producers Council, Corn Growers and Soybean Association. He has also consistently pursued continuing education and governance training, obtaining his FCC Services Advanced Governance Certification and the South Dakota Association of Cooperatives Director Certification. A graduate of South Dakota Ag and Rural Leadership (SDARL) Class III, Wally exemplifies a lifelong commitment to learning and improvement.
Wally’s most enduring impact, however, may be his mentorship. He has helped shape countless new cooperative directors, ensuring tomorrow’s leaders are prepared to continue the legacy of thoughtful, member-focused governance. He does not impose his views; he inspires action through listening, learning and leading by example.
“One of the most telling signs of Wally’s character is how we strategically seat new, non-voting members next to him in board meetings,” Rick said. “Why? Because we know that if they sit beside Wally, they’ll learn—how to listen, how to lead, and how to serve with integrity. That’s mentorship. That’s impact.”