About Jason
Senator Jason Frerichs is a fourth generation farmer, teacher, and member of the South Dakota State Legislature.
Frerichs farms with his brothers Aaron and Ryan, as well as his father, Kent. They raise corn, soybeans, and wheat on both dryland and irrigated farm ground. Jason also manages his 150 cow/calf operation of primarily angus and charolais cattle. When he is not busy farming, Frerichs enjoys hunting and riding horseback. Jason is the son of Kent and Faye Frerichs, rural Wilmot. Jason’s siblings include: Miranda and her husband Mark, Barnesville, MN and children: Noah, Nate, Nicholas, and Ava; Aaron; and Ryan, Wilmot.
Frerichs teaches in the agriculture department of Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, SD. He also serves as the Watertown Area FFA Advisor. Jason has been actively involved in the Farmers Union for many years, and he currently serves as the Vice President and Education Director for the Roberts County Farmers Union.
Frerichs is the fourth generation of his family to serve in the South Dakota House of Representatives. Jason’s father, Kent served in 1975-1988; Jason’s grandfather, Bertrum Ellingson served in 1969-1980; and Jason’s great-grandfather, Nels P. Christensen served in 1955-1966.
Frerichs graduated Cumm Laude from South Dakota State University in 2007 with a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture Education and minors in Animal Science and Speech Communication. While on campus as a Jackrabbit he was active in Founding the SDSU Collegiate Farmers Union Chapter, serving as an Ag/Bio Ambassador, Students Association Senator, member of the Postsecondary Agriculture Students (PAS), and as President of the Alpha Gamma Rho a men’s agriculture fraternity. Frerichs was fortunate to be a part of an agricultural international tour of Argentina and Brazil in January 2008. This experience provided Frerichs with insight on beef and grain production in the southern hemisphere.
Frerichs was named the American Star in Agriculture Placement for the National FFA Organization in 2005. This award is given to the top performers in the strictly student-run organization of a half million young people. Jason was a member of the Wilmot FFA Chapter where he served in numerous leadership roles including the Chapter President. Frerichs also participated in the National FFA International Travel Experience to Costa Rica where they toured agriculture operations specializing in raising bananas, coffee, and even alligators!
Frerichs was selected as one of the New Century Farmers in the summer of 2008. Fourty young people who are currently, and will continue to be involved in production agriculture were selected for this interactive conference.
Frerichs served as the 2004-2005 South Dakota FFA Association Vice-President. Through his term of office he traveled 20,000 miles throughout South Dakota visiting FFA Chapters putting on leadership workshops, coordinating the State Career Development Events, and representing the State Organization on the National level.
Frerichs participated in the Wellstone Action Weekend in Sioux Falls during the summer of 2004. Wellstone Action is an organization dedicated to spreading the message of the late U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone of Minnesota. Jason was given tools, advice, and confidence to run as a candidate someday!
Frerichs is a 2003 honors graduate of Wilmot High School and served as a Page in the South Dakota House of Representatives during the 2003 Session. Former Representative David Sigdestad (D-Pierpont) sponsored Jason to serve as a Page. Incidentally, Sigdestad encouraged Frerichs to run for his seat when Sigdestad was term limited at the end of 2008.
Frerichs was very active in the Future Farmers of America ever since he joined the organization in the seventh grade. Frerichs was the top individual at the 2003 State FFA Convention in the Team Agriculture Sales Career Development Event. Participating in the parliamentary procedure contest proved to be a great learning experience providing a lifetime of skill in conducting a meeting.
Frerichs served as a Page in the United States Senate, sponsored by then, Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle. The terrorist attacks on September 11th and the anthrax scare in October 2001 provided for an interesting and memorable experience for Frerichs.
Here is a shorter bio for introductions:
Jason Frerichs, a fourth generation farmer/rancher from Wilmot, SD, currently serves in the South Dakota State Senate. Frerichs manages a 150 head beef cow/calf operation; he also raises corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa. In 2007, Frerichs graduated from South Dakota State University cum laude with a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture Education; he also obtained minors in Speech Communication and Animal Science. At the age of 23, Frerichs was elected to the South Dakota State Legislature in 2008, and he served as a Minority Whip in the South Dakota State House of Representatives from 2009 to 2010. In 2010, Frerichs was elected to the South Dakota State Senate. While serving in the State Legislature, Frerichs has been a strong advocate for agriculture, education, and the development of renewable energy. Frerichs currently serves as the Senate Minority Leader. Frerichs is actively involved in the Farmers Union at all levels and currently serves as the Roberts County Farmers Union Education Director. Frerichs is also currently a member of the following organizations: South Dakota Education Association, SD Stockgrowers, United States Cattleman’s Association, Wilmot Saddle Club, Sons of the American Legion, and Peace Lutheran Church. In his spare time Frerichs enjoys spending time with his family, horseback riding, participating in ranch rodeos, boating on the lakes, golfing, and hunting.