With a solid background in agriculture that began in the vo-ag classroom at Wessington Springs High School and continued to grow at Dickinson (N.D.) State University, Keah Munsen has now come full circle on her journey in ag as an instructor for Mitchell Tech’s South Dakota Center for Farm and Ranch Management.
In her instructor role, Munsen meets with “students” who could be one person or a whole family engaged in farming and ranching duties at their operations throughout the year, with a majority of the instruction time devoted to helping producers develop a better recordkeeping system.
With a Bachelor’s degree from Dickinson State University in Agricultural Studies and double options in Range Management and Ranch Management and a minor in Agri-Business, Munsen is well-suited to her new position and is quick to credit her high school and college instructors for helping to plant the seed that continues to grow in her profession within the ag industry.
“I was so fortunate when my sisters and I transferred to Springs. We had the ag program and Craig Shryock was a big role model and influencer for my path. Obviously I was big into land and range, being on the national team for WSHS,” Munsen shared. “Having Shryock as an instructor was a huge influence. He introduced me to wide aspects of the agricultural industry. That continued in college with Toby Stroh, my ag business instructor. He guided me during my time in North Dakota and still reaches out to offer help and resources.”
S.D. Center for Farm and Ranch Management expands
This is the first time in several years that the South Dakota Center for Farm and Ranch Management is actively seeking new students, thanks to an expansion of the program by Mitchell Technical College.
“This year, in response to a single vacancy to replace a retired instructor, we have the unique opportunity to hire two qualified individuals whom we are confident will both enhance what we currently offer and help us broaden our coverage regionally,” said Blaine Carey, director of the program.
Munsen was hired in May 2023 and along with Nicole Tonak, joined Carey in working directly with agricultural producers.
“We were fortunate to have two excellent candidates with diversified experiences come forward,” he said. “Knowing the high demand for the program, we thought it was a good opportunity to expand and strengthen it with two very capable instructors.”
Carey said the additions will allow the program to provide farm and ranch management instruction to benefit an additional 40 operations statewide. Currently, Munsen works with producers across the state from Scotland to Wagner, Colome, Winner and beyond.
A main goal of the program is to pinpoint the operations’ cash flows, both into and out of the farm or ranch.
“We help ag producers compile accurate financial data, analyze that information and develop a comprehensive farm business plan,” Munsen explained, adding that the program covers a wide range of topics, including goal-setting, cash flows, balance sheets, tax reports, income statements and risk management. “Whether it’s a brand new producer just getting started or an established operation that is looking to develop something new, we are there to help them so they can make the right decisions for their unique situation.”
In addition to her role as instructor for the producer-based program, Munsen also serves as instructor for FSA borrower training.
“Weworkwithproducers through different financial situations so they have a good understanding of their financials before taking out a loan,” she explained.
Outsideof work,Munsen is active in rodeo and also serves as the assistant coach for Mitchell Tech’s college rodeo team. With her many commitments, free time is difficult to come by, but when she does have some down time, her focus is spending time with family.
“After five years of schooling in another state, I’ve been spending a lot of time catching up with family,” she shared. “When I was in college, I lost both of my grandmas. During any time off, spending time with my grandpas is a big priority.”
