The inaugural Agricultural (Ag) Appreciation Event was held August 22 at the Central States Fairground. The event brought local businesses and individuals together to express gratitude for the value agriculture brings to the region and to honor the American spirit of every farmer, rancher, and those who serve and partner with nearby rural communities. As part of the celebration even, four awards were presented. The evening was sponsored by Central States Fair, Elevate Rapid City, Your Local Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, and Monument Health.
Rural Neighbor Award
The Rural Neighbor Award recognizes an individual demonstrating unwavering commitment, generosity, and community spirit. The award honors someone who has gone above and beyond to impact rural communities. Two people were honored with the rural neighbor ward this year:
Rick Wulf, Award Sponsored by Central States Fair
An individual often in the background and an integral part of the Central States Fair and Black Hills Stock Show for for quite a few years, the owner of Dakota Express Trucking, Rick Wulf, was the first recipient of the Rural Neighbor Award. Rick is responsible for hauling all Central States Fair's belongings to and from The Monument during the Stock Show, moving trailers and rigs around the fairgrounds, and ensuring they have enough refrigeration to keep the beer cold. Over the years, he has donated refrigerated storage trailers, picked up and loaded the beer during events, hauled mats to The Monument during the Stock Show, and volunteered to run equipment for set up and tear down when needed.
Whether he is bringing a trailer to the fairgrounds when Central States Fair needed storage options or hauling rental panels and stalls to Deadwood and Gilette when asked, Rick donates his time, talents, and equipment without expecting anything. He encompasses the definition of a great rural neighbor.
Jerry Hammerquist, Award Sponsored by Your Touchstone Energy Cooperatives
Jerry Hammerquist, is a dedicated rancher, community comedian, class clown, and stake owner in Diet Pepsi and Snickers. Jerry Hammerquist is from Caputa and resides on his ranch, where he continues to be actively engaged in various community organizations, including Elks Club, Central States Fair, Western Jr. Livestock Show, and Western SD Buckaroos. Jerry is the president of the Rapid Valley Water Conservation District Board, along with the past president and director of the Pennington County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service Farmers Home Administration. He previously led Rushmore Electric and chaired the Action Committee for Rural Electrification on behalf of the South Dakota Rural Electric Association.
Jerry's deep-rooted support for the agricultural sector is evident in his success showcasing Angus cattle in local cattle shows, earning him numerous 1st place accolades. He received significant community agricultural awards, including the Catalyst Club Good Neighbor Award, the Ag Producer of the Year Award, and the Black Hill Stock Show Hall of Fame/Silver Spur Award. Jerry has faithfully served as a District 1 Board of Directors for West River Electric Association for almost four decades for 39 years, and 20 of those years as Chairman. His exceptional commitment to members, employees, the organization, and the community is commendable. Jerry's legacy of passion for agriculture extends to his family. He and his late wife have instilled this love in their children Kris and Jay, seven grandchildren, and even a great-granddaughter.
Rural Health Care Neighbor Award
The Rural Health Care Neighbor Award recognizes an individual for significantly improving healthcare in rural communities. This award, sponsored by Monument Health, honors someone who has tirelessly worked to enhance access, quality, and equity.
Crystal Page, Award Sponsored by Monument Health
Crystal Page is a physician assistant at the Monument Health Buffalo Clinic. With the closest hospital for those that live in the area being as far away as Spearfish, the patients of the Buffalo Clinic can attest to the importance of having health care close to home.
Crystal provides excellent care, providing patients with a wide range of medical services, from supporting those with chronic conditions along their health journey to routine well-being care and emergency services. There are times when Crystal and her team have closed the clinic to respond to accidents alongside the local ambulance service. When minutes count, Crystal can and does save the lives of her rural neighbors. She goes above and beyond to adapt her clinic's resources to the needs of the Harding County community, which helps her patients live better lives while not having to leave home and the life they love.
Agribusiness Award
The Agribusiness Award recognizes innovation, leadership, and outstanding contributions to the agricultural industry. The award honors a business transforming our region's landscape, economic growth, and sustainable practices.
Bashful Bison Market, Award Sponsored by Elevate Rapid City
Bashful Bison is a market and deli featuring various products from local farmers and ranchers throughout South Dakota. Their deli menu offers sandwiches showcasing South Dakota's finest beef, sourced directly from South Dakota Pure Bison at Evergreen Ranch, and cheese from Käsemeister Creamery in Frankfort, South Dakota. Each sandwich on the menu is named after a South Dakota town, including The Hermosa, The Rapid City, The Wall, and more. Bashful Bison also stacked the sandwiches and salads on their menu with fresh produce from local farms.
Bashful Bison also offers breakfast and sells bakery goods from local companies. Scott and his team have worked hard to keep downtown Rapid City alive by creating a food shop that allows local patrons and visitors from all over to enjoy a unique culinary experience and learn the story of their food. They utilize sustainably produced products and support the local food system. Bashful Bison provides excellent customer service, and they go the extra mile to ensure their patrons are happy and satisfie