Larry Gabriel was appointed South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture on February 23, 2000.

Gabriel was born and raised on a ranch in western South Dakota. After graduating from Wall High School, he attended South Dakota State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics. While at SDSU, Gabriel was recognized as the 1969 Doane's Outstanding Ag Economics student.

Larry has devoted many years to public service. He served as Haakon County Commissioner from 1975 to 1982 and as a State Representative from 1983 until retiring from the Legislature in 1998. During his tenure in the House of Representatives, he served six years as House Majority Leader and was known for his expertise in tax issues. He previously served as director of the South Dakota Stockgrowers, with one of his duties being to serve as co-chair of the legislative committee. Gabriel currently serves as a member of the hospital board in Philip, S.D.

Larry and his wife, Charlotte, operate ranches in both Pennington and Haakon counties. They have two children and three grandchildren.