It's almost time for the state legislature to begin another session. It starts in January but lawmakers will be in Pierre Tuesday for the governor's budget address. Among the new faces at the capitol this year is a man not even mid-way through his 20s, but he's heading to the house in a leadership role. 

On a weekend night this time of year, farmer would be the best word to explain Jason Frerich's profession. But find him any other time and that description could change. 

"I'm the fourth generation farmer, rancher, also a teacher, fourth generation, and now a legislator," Rep. Jason Frerichs, D-Wilmot, said. 

He added that last one to the list earlier this month when, at 23 years old, he won his first election and a seat in the South Dakota House of Representatives. Now 24, he'll be the latest in a line of family members who've served in the legislature, including his Father Kent Frerichs and Grandfather Bert Ellingson. 

"Well, I might have to teach him some but I'm not sure yet," Ellingson said. 

Despite this being his first term and serving at a young age, the Democratic Party has chosen him as a minority whip in the house. Frerichs says he's ready for the challenge. 

"The advice that I have from Dad and Grandpa is really helpful and at the same time, I'm excited to blaze my own trail and have my own experience. And yet I'll still have them just a phone call away to be there in a time when I may need some help," Frerichs said. 

As a teacher and farmer, he says the big issues he'll fight for are education and alternative energy. He's a strong supporter of ethanol and wants to see its use encouraged and increased across the state. 

While in Pierre, he also plans to take on the issue of education funding, ensuring there is enough, even in a time when the economy is down and the budget is tight. 

"These decisions we make affect me throughout the future because I'll be planning on living in South Dakota the rest of my life," Frerichs said. 

That explains why he wants to be involved in the state government but with farming, ranching and teaching, how will Pierre fit into the picture? 

"January, February, March will be busy months," Frerichs said. 

But so was the campaign season. Work continued at the farm as he appeared in parades and knocked on doors. 

"It was always a challenge to balance the farming and then going to campaign and that's what was nice about this last growing season. We had a lot of rain and usually those rainy days ended up being days I needed to get out and go campaign," Frerichs said. 

He says family and friends also helped him often, and he'll be looking to them again as he heads to Pierre. 

He teaches Ag at Lake Area Tech in Watertown and says there's already a substitute lined up to fill in during the legislative session. As for the ranch, he says he'll rely heavily on his dad and brothers back at home. 

"I have a hundred cows so it'll take them a little bit of time, but they'll be all right I think. I try to help them out enough in the off season so I can repay that debt," Frerichs said. 

With everything from the extra work to his young age, Frerichs isn't expecting any of it to be easy. But he says it's worth the effort because he believes it's important for young people to be involved. 

His grandpa's proud he made that decision. 

"I'll be watching closely," Ellingson said. 

And whether Frerichs is acting as farmer, teacher or filling any other role during the year, he's anxious to add lawmaker to the mix. 

"I'm excited to get there in January and have some fun," Frerichs said. 

Frerichs will start things off this week with some orientation training Monday. He says he’s looking forward to the governor’s budget address on Tuesday as well.