Eminent Homemaker
County: Beadle
Wanda Smith is described by others as a thorough and capable leader. She and her husband, Keith, have lived on their farm southwest of Huron since 1944. She is a homemaker and farm partner on the 900-acre farm in Beadle County on which they raise hogs, cattle and crops.
Smith has also done an outstanding job promoting pork. She and her husband became involved with the South Dakota Pork Producers Council in the late 1960s. Smith was instrumental in starting the women's organization in Beadle County in 1972 and helped organize other groups throughout the state. She is a past state president of the South Dakota Pork Council Women and served as the state's national director to the National Pork Council Women from 1980-1986.
Smith has presented many pork demonstrations in home economics classrooms and supermarkets. In 1991, she received the Pfizer Achievement Award for her outstanding work in the industry.
Along with educating consumers, Smith has actively educated young people for years. She served as a volunteer 4-H leader for 25 years and was the first woman elected president of the Beadle County 4-H Leaders Association. She and her husband have received an award for meritorious service to the 4-H program.
In 1983, she began her work with "Ag in the Classroom" because she believed young people need to understand that agriculture is South Dakota's number-one industry. She continues to serve as treasurer of that organization.
Smith has also been active in Farm Bureau and is currently president of the Beadle County Farm Bureau. She has been active in the Congregational Church and served as chairman of the fellowship. She devoted 18 years as treasurer of the Dearborn Township School Board.
Wanda and her husband, Keith, have six children. All of them attended South Dakota State University.