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Ethan James, a junior agricultural business student at South Dakota State University, has been selected as one of 41 Agriculture Future of America Ambassadors nationwide.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the program and recognize it as a competitive and prestigious honor,” James said. “I intend to build on SDSU’s legacy in the AFA Ambassador Program and leverage my connections to continue that success.”

As an ambassador, James will serve as a campus representative for Agriculture Future of America, promoting leadership development experiences, industry engagement opportunities and student involvement. He sees the role as an important link between SDSU and the broader agricultural industry. 

James’ selection reflects SDSU’s commitment to preparing students for leadership roles in agriculture through academic programs, experiential learning and industry partnerships within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.

Those opportunities have already shaped his academic and career goals. James credits two SDSU experiences as especially influential.

“Participation in the SDSU Alumni Mentor Program has been valuable. My mentor, Keith Knuppe, has helped me better understand career paths in the industry and the steps required to reach them,” he said.

James also highlighted his involvement with Little International, saying that serving on the staff for the past two years has allowed him to teach and lead students who have limited livestock experience, which is a humbling and rewarding opportunity.

He first learned about the Agriculture Future of America Ambassador Program through encouragement from campus leaders and was specifically encouraged to apply by Brad Blaha (SDSU AFA adviser) and Kelsey Swearinger (2025-26 AFA ambassador). They believed he would be a strong fit for the role and represent SDSU well.

A native of Corning, Iowa, James grew up deeply rooted in production agriculture. He is a sixth-generation farmer. His family raises corn and soybeans and operates a Black Angus cow-calf herd as well. That background, paired with his desire for a strong and versatile agricultural education, led him to SDSU.

“I chose agricultural business at SDSU because I wanted a strong, broad-based agricultural degree,” James said. “After visiting campus, I determined SDSU was the right fit. I also appreciated the campus layout, the welcoming and supportive community and the breadth of opportunities and practical experience available.”