Recent Press Releases

Washington, D.C. —  Senator John Thune has announced that Mike Jaspers of Sioux Falls has been nominated by the President to serve as South Dakota State Director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Office of Rural Development. Jaspers was recommended for the position by Senator Thune.

"Mike will do a great job in this new position," said Thune. "He has a very strong background in agriculture, and his service in state government will serve him well as Rural Development Director. South Dakota is lucky to have an individual of Mike's caliber and experience serving in this important position."

Jaspers runs a 2000-acre corn, soybeans, and cattle operation outside Sioux Falls. He served three terms in the South Dakota House of Representatives where he was elected as House Majority Whip for four years. He also served one term in the State Senate. He is a graduate of South Dakota State University with a degree in Mechanized Agriculture.