PICTURED: with Corrie Snedeker (right) is Mason Farber of Britton, a member of the SDFU Education Senior Advisory Council.

ABERDEEN — Corrie Snedeker and Alison Nesheim, both of Woonsocket, have been honored by South Dakota Farmers Union for their work in the organization’s youth education program.
Snedeker, Nesheim and a dozen other youth were recipients of this year’s South Dakota Farmers Union Torchbearer Award, the highest honor youth can receive within the family farm organization.
The youth were honored during the Torchbearer ceremony Saturday, Feb. 16, at the South Dakota Farmers Union’s 98th annual state convention held in Aberdeen.

Nesheim

“I’m extremely proud of what Corrie and Alison have accomplished over the years,” said SDFU Education Director Bonnie Geyer. “They’ve shown great leadership, and are always ready and willing to participate in Farmers Union events. It’s a great honor for all of our Torchbearers and their families.”
Corrie Snedeker is the son of Mark and Lisa Snedeker. He is a senior at Woonsocket High School and plans to attend Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown this fall.
Alison Nesheim is the daughter of Jodi Weber and Brian Nesheim. She is currently a student at Mitchell Technical Institute studying to become a medical assistant.
A total of 14 South Dakota young people achieved Torchbearer status this year. It’s a title given to youth who complete all of the Farmers Union’s annual achievement awards. Young people who participate in Farmers Union education programs focus on family farm and ranch agriculture, learn about member-owned cooperatives, take leadership training and learn many other life skills.
Each year, young people involved in Farmers Union participate in educational trips and tours around the state and region including a trip to the state Capitol in Pierre, several regional cooperative headquarters’ in the Twin Cities, All-State’s Leadership Camp in Bailey, Colo., and the National Farmers Union convention.
This year’s Torchbearer Award recipients will have the opportunity to travel to Springfield, Mass., to attend the National Farmers Union convention in March.