South Dakota Department of Agriculture Welcomes New Agricultural Development Director

For Immediate Release: Dec. 12, 2012

Media Contact: Jamie Crew, 605.773.4073 

South Dakota Department of Agriculture Welcomes New Agricultural Development Director

 

PIERRE, S.D.—Paul Kostboth has been hired as the new Agricultural Development Director for the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA).

“I am grateful for the invitation from Agriculture Secretary Walt Bones to join SDDA and excited to be working with him and the rest of the SDDA team promoting South Dakota’s number-one industry,” said Kostboth.

Kostboth grew up on his family’s farm in Canistota, SD. He graduated from Dakota State University in 2001 with a degree in business finance.

In January of 2002, Kostboth was hired by the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) to help finish creating a new statewide homebuyer education program. At the end of his first year, he was given the opportunity to oversee the Governor’s House Program with SDHDA.

“In both previous jobs and private business ventures, I have always enjoyed being challenged and continuously working to improve,” said Kostboth. “I look forward to those same types of opportunities here at SDDA.”

Agriculture is South Dakota’s No. 1 industry, generating nearly $21 billion in annual economic activity and employing more than 80,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov/ or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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