The top 5 finalists for the Dakotafest 2025 Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year Award have been selected. IDEAg Group, LLC., producers of Dakotafest, will bestow the sixth annual Dakotafest Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year Award on Thursday, Aug. 21 during the 2025 event. Award judges selected the nominees whose applications demonstrated a high level of commitment to the farm or ranch in terms of hours dedicated; positive impact on income, yield, diversification of challenges; community involvement and passion for her farm and the Ag industry.
The finalists, in no particular order, are Shannon Kubik of Hamill, Crystal Neuharth of Fort Pierre, Leanne Wieczofek of Mount Vernon, Frannie Fritz of Iroquios, and Shelby Boomsma of Hitchcock. Detailed biographies of each finalists are available at Dakotafest.com. These five women will be recognized at the Women in Ag Event and awards ceremony in the Wick Building on the show grounds the mofning of Thursday, Aug. 7.
2025 nominations showed so much dedication to and diversity in agriculture. Their commitment to community was evident in their stories, said Niki Jones, event marketing director, IDEAg. These five women are hands-on, dedicated ag producers and we are honored to name them as the top finalists for this award.
Attendees can learn more about the finalists and buy tickets at Dakotafest.com. The Dakotafest 2025 Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year Award is sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America, Farm Bureau Financial Services and KMIT.
More about the finalists from this area:
Shelby Boomsma, Hitchcock
Shelby was born and raised at Elkton Lake Benton, where she spent her childhood. She attended Mitchell Technical College, earning her degree as a Precision Technology Specialist.
During college, she met her husband, and the two now reside in Hitchcock as part of his family farm. They have been blessed with two beautiful daughters, who occasionally accompany her in the cab of the tractor.
As part owner of a harvesting company, Shelby actively contributes by driving the grain cart and combine, often having the kids with her, showcasing her commitment to family and farm life. She also helps move machinery from one field to another, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, she takes the initiative to provide meals in the field, fostering camaraderie and keeping everyone well-fed during busy days. Shelby is a passionate educator, constantly sharing her knowledge and insights about agriculture with others, helping to bridge the gap between producers and consumers.
Shelbys nominator said, Her ability to seamlessly integrate family life with farm work underscores her suitability for this prestigious award, celebrating her contributions and sacrifices in advancing farming and family values.
Fran Fritz, Iroquios
Fran lives on her family farm near Iroquois, and now is the owner and operator of the family farm. She attended grade school and high school in Iroquois and graduated from SDSU with a major in Animal Science and a minor in Dairy Science.
After her college graduation she took over the management and operation of the family farm. In 1988 she ceased the dairy operation and increased her beef herd. As the sole operator she is responsible for herd management, building and mending fences, mowing and baling hay, accounting, housework, yard work and all the day-to-day operations of a ranch/farm.
Fran has been the Belle Prairie Township Board clerk for 12 years. She has also been involved in the Beadle County Conservation District, South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts and the National Association of Conservation Districts. She has served as supervisor on the Beadle County Conservation Board, all the offices on the South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts and was the first woman president of the South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts. She represented South Dakota on the National Association of Conservation Districts and served on several of the national committees.
Frans nominator said, She is an honest, hardworking, friendly, and intelligent person. Fran truly enjoys ranching/farming and is very passionate about her occupation. She takes obstacles and turns them into opportunity.
They shared Frans words of wisdom for young women in ag, Just start small and try it. Women can be ranchers/farmers just like men, we may do it different but we can get it done. Just keep trying.
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