April 27, 2021

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Mariah Kessler, the communications specialist for South Dakota Soybean.

Name: Mariah Kessler

Age: 23

Hometown: Pierre

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

After graduating from SDSU in 2019 with a degree in agriculture communications, I interned in the governor’s office for the summer in Pierre, then I started my career at South Dakota Soybean in November. The move to Sioux Falls was easy because of how strong the community is. People are important to me, and I was able to make new and maintain old friendships while pursuing my goal of working in the agriculture industry.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

I haven’t seen everything yet! Sioux Falls is continuously expanding and welcoming new businesses. There’s always a new experience that motivates me to keep building my relationship with the community.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Working for farmers and ranchers! I work for two boards of farmer directors: the South Dakota Soybean Association and the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff. Both boards play tremendous roles in the development of new markets, uses and technology that benefit producers in South Dakota and across the country. They keep me on my toes with an endless flow of new projects and initiatives to strategically promote, focusing on everything from new farming practices to consumer outreach.

Agriculture is the foundation of life as we know it. I’m proud to work for an ever-changing industry that is always looking to improve for future generations.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to be involved in my grandparents’ ranch and own cattle at a young age. This experience ignited my passion for the agriculture industry. From there, I focused on expanding my network through attending professional development experiences in South Dakota and across the country. The connections I made helped me to grow and find my place in the industry.

Describe South Dakota Soybean in three words.

Dedicated. Innovative. Collaborative.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a big plant person – I love gardening, and my home is packed with plants. And even though I have roots in the ag industry, I have never grown soybeans! My ag background is almost entirely in beef cattle. I acquired a cattle brand and started with two calves at 10 years old and continue to maintain ownership and expand my herd to this day.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

FFA and 4-H have played a large role in my life. I like to volunteer with and help those organizations as much as possible.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

I’m always looking for new locally owned restaurants – especially when they have a unique backstory or focus on sourcing local foods.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I have a couple constants in my life, like my love for my friends, family, travel, cattle and the agriculture industry. These focuses keep my outlook positive, and other than that, it’s hard to tell where I’ll be in five years.