Erin Yost of Wessington Springs was among the five South Dakota women selected as finalists for the Dakotafest Woman Farmer/ Rancher of the Year. Finalists demonstrated a high level of commitment to the farm or ranch in terms of hours dedicated, positive impact on income, yield, and diversification or challenges.
Other finalists were Stacy Watembach of Alexandria, Sara Easton of Parkston, Kendra Olson of White Lake and Barbara Powell of Platte. Powell was honored with the 2024 title.
A Wessington Springs native, Yost and her husband Rodney own and operate Rodney Yost Horsemanship. The couple hosts horse clinics across South Dakota and nationally, and their horse training operation draws clients and their horses to the family farm for training.
Yost is a full time YBS Relationship Officer with Farm Credit Services of America and is very involved in the cattle ranch activities after work and on weekends. The Yosts are the proud parents of two daughters.
Erin is an active member of her community, taking on several roles. She serves on the South Dakota State Fair Board as a commissioner, is a member of South Dakota Cattlewomen and has served as their treasurer for a number of years. She also serves on the South Dakota Beef Industry Council for South Dakota Cattlewomen and spent two years as South Dakota Beef Industry Council Treasurer. She served as the treasurer of the Hand County Youth Livestock Show for a number of years and is known to help friends and neighbors with lamb/goat/pig/calf sales wherever she is needed.
Her nominee said, "Erin is always ready, willing and able to help with any event, especially if it involves youth.”
Yost and the other finalists were recognized at Dakotafest as leaders in their communities who have a passion for agriculture in South Dakota.