DEADWOOD, S.D. – Two women were recognized during the recent South Dakota Women in Agriculture convention held in Deadwood.
Dr. Alice Harty, Milesville, S.D., has been selected as this year’s South Dakota Ag Woman of the Year by the South Dakota Women in Agriculture organization and Mykelsi Still, Oelrichs, S.D., has been selected as the 2024 Young Gun of Ag.
Following are the nominating statements made for each of the recipients.
Dr. Harty exemplifies South Dakota Women in Agriculture in all she does every day. Being a large animal veterinarian, Dr. Harty is involved in the agriculture sector every day. She has been tested and proven herself to be a strong and compassionate woman in this field. Although both mentally and physically taxed most days as a large animal vet, she does not let it slow her down and she is always available for more questions from producers or to travel miles out of her way for an emergency. Dr. Harty has a ‘no quit’ attitude which is an assst to have as a woman in agriculture.
In addition to practicing as a mobile veterinarian, Dr. Harty also serves on the state of South Daktoa Veterinary Board. She also supports and encourages the future generations of rural veterinarians in various ways.
On the odd day she is not practicing, you will find her horseback with her faithful dog, Ellie, helping trail cows and giving neighbors and friends a hand. Dr. Harty not only helps producers with their animal health needs, she also helps them with the days work such as moving cattle, branding, weaning and processing.
Dr. Harty is a highly active member in multiple communities and is often the attending veterinarian at the local area rodeos. You will find her checking kids into their events, announcing rodeos, or running a gate or stripping cute. She is a dedicated volunteer for the youth of South Dakota.
She advocates for agriculture every day that she steps out of her pickup, picks up the phone or writes a health certificate. Every producer needs a supportive vet on their side to help them get the most out of their hard work.
“Dr. Harty’s every day involvement in the agriculture industry is a large part of a product making its way to the dinner table. We all know how difficult it is to keep a rural, agriculture community going. Without the support and participation in community events, it would be even harder,” says Mindy Arneson, who along with her family, ranches near Meadow, S.D. “The support she provides for today’s youth is an integral part of the future of agriculture in South Dakota. Dr. Harty is a one in a million lady.”
Mykelsi Still is the true definition of a young woman in agriculture. She is the assistant manager of Fall River Feedyard, Hot Springs, S.D., one of the largest feedlots in South Dakota. At home, her and husband Marshall are also raising cattle and raising children with the addition of their daughter Charlee Jo.
Mykelsi is a natural born leader who jumped into her management position with both feet. She is a problem solver and doesn’t hesitate to jump into a feed truck, on a horse to ride pens, or work in the processing barn. She leads her team by example and by getting the job done and done right.
She is currently developing an internship program for Fall River Feedyard to help recruit, train, and maintan new employees, while giving youth real world experience while in college. She has also built an excellent social media presence for the yard and is sharing the story about what they do there every day, as well as the people who make it all happen.
Mykelsi is a strong advocate for agriculture and lives that every day. She is heavily involved with 4-H, FFA, Fall River County Fair and numerous rodeo and play day events for youth and adults.
“When I think of a woman in agriculture, Mykelsi checks all the boxes. Mykelsi is raising a family, raising cattle, and helping guide and direct growth of one of the largest feed yards in South Dakota, and still makes time to sit down with anyone who needs to visit or wants guidance,” says Bart Krautschun, Two Tone Cattle Company, Spearfish, SD.
