Halverson believes that overseeing the Commission's accountability is one of his primary jobs. "The wheat Commission's primary role is to ensure that South Dakota wheat producers get the best return for their checkoff dollars. The Commission accomplishes this by funding market and product development programs and having a strong commitment to research.

Our checkoff dollars have played a role in everything from wheat variety development to educating people on the importance of cereal grains in their diet. By investing in our future, the Commission's support for research programs at S.D.S.U. and Dakota Lakes Research Farm has helped promote crop rotation programs, improved disease resistance and developed higher quality wheat varieties with excellent yields."

Halverson is a graduate of the South Dakota Agriculture and Rural Leadership Inc, (SDARL) program. SDARL is a private, non-profit two-year leadership program dedicated to developing leadership in agriculture and rural communities. "The whole idea behind the class was to educate you so you can form your own opinion on the issues," said Halverson. "A skill that will be valuable during my tenure on the SD Wheat Commission."

Governor Janklow appointed Halverson to the Commission in July of 2001.