South Dakota Farm Bureau President and Volga farmer Scott VanderWal made history yesterday being elected as Vice President of the American Farm Bureau Federation.  The election took place at the annual meeting in Orlando. VanderWal is the first ever from South Dakota Farm Bureau to serve at the executive level of the national organization.

VanderWal has served as South Dakota Farm Bureau president since June of 2004 and served on the national board for 10 years.  He says he’s ready to put his leadership experience to work to accomplish the organization’s goals and become an even more effective voice for American agriculture.

He says agriculture faces many challenges politically in the year ahead especially with the prospect of a new Administration.

VanderWal was chosen on the first ballot over two other candidates for vice president. He will serve with newly elected President Zippy Duvall of Georgia. Duvall replaces Bob Stallman who chose not to seek re-election after 16 years as leader.