Jim Ketelhut
SD Corn Utilization Council
President • District 9
Jim Ketelhut of Pukwana fits the description of a diversified farmer to a T. He grows corn, soybeans, wheat and cover crops, operates a cow/calf operation and has feeders.
After graduating from South Dakota State University in 1989 with a degree in mechanized ag and economics, Ketelhut and his wife, Natalie, started farming with his parents, Merle and Nila. He says he chose farming as a profession because of the challenges one constantly faces and the commitment required.
“I knew I would never be bored,” he says.
Ketelhut says the most-important issue facing today’s corn farmers is the rising cost of production and decreasing margins.
He joined the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council board of directors in 2020. He also serves on the Brule County Weed Board and the Ola Township Board.
In his spare time, he likes to fish. He and his wife Natalie have one daughter, Laurel.