After an esteemed career spanning over three decades, Jill Beaner bids farewell to the Marshall County Farm Service Agency (FSA) office as she retires on May 17. Beaner leaves behind a legacy of commitment and service to the agricultural community, marking the end of a chapter filled with dedication.
Beaner, formerly a Symens, hails from a family deeply entrenched in farming near Amherst. A graduate of Britton High School in 1986, Beaner attended Northern State University, where she obtained a degree in office administration. It was at the suggestion of her father that Beaner inquired about a job at the FSA office (then known as the ASCS office), a decision that would shape her professional trajectory significantly.
The onset of the drought in 1988 necessitated additional support at the FSA office, leading to Beaner’s appointment as a program technician. Over the years, she assumed this role with dedication, primarily tasked with administering USDA programs and managing critical farm records, including land ownership documentation. Beaner’s expertise also extended to facilitating the Conservation Reserve Program, further solidifying her invaluable contributions to the agricultural sector.
Reflecting on the challenges encountered throughout her tenure, Beaner highlighted the constant evolution of technology as well as procedural revisions and rule amendments that can follow each new Farm Bill.
Despite the challenges, Beaner has enjoyed assisting area farmers and producers who she says she is blessed to have worked with. “They are not just customers here,” she emphasized. “They are neighbors, family and friends. It’s a good feeling knowing that you have helped them.”
Throughout her time working for the federal government, Beaner cherished the camaraderie shared with her colleagues at the Marshall County FSA office and across the state. The office’s recognition with a Heart of Dakota Award in 2021 stands as a testament to their collective hard work, serving as a highlight of Beaner’s tenure.
In recent months, Beaner decided to retire as she was eligible and wanted to do it while she was still healthy enough to enjoy life. “It’s time to pass the torch to the younger people,” she said.
She looks forward to spending quality time with some of her out of the area children and intends to dedicate herself to her responsibilities as treasurer for the North Marshall Fire Department and active involvement in her church community.
With retirement beckoning, Beaner anticipates enjoying her hobbies, including reading, crafting, and nurturing her flower garden.
Beaner’s retirement will be celebrated on Friday, May 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Britton Country Club,
Kay Friebel, interim part-time Program Technician, will also be celebrated on May 17 as she’ll enjoy her official retirement from FSA. Friebel had retired in October 2021 but helped at the office part-time starting in spring of 2022 during high workload times. She has provided assistance in the Marshall County office and surrounding counties. She missed her retirement party due to COVID when retirements were celebrated previously.
All are welcome to stop at the Country Club to wish both Beaner and Friebel well.
Temperature: 23°F Town: Britton, SD
Pressure: 1015 hPa
Wind: 10 mph
