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SD Cattlemen’s group recognizes outstanding members

An estimated 250 cattlemen and women gathered in Pierre December 8-10 for the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association’s (SDCA) 67th Annual Convention and Trade Show.

The event began and ended with a host of educational speakers, including Trent Loos, Tom Brink, NCBA President Philip Ellis, and SDSU Extension educators, who covered a variety of topics from being an agricultural advocate to developing value-added feeder calves and market and weather outlooks.

The highlight of the event was the Awards Banquet on Wednesday evening, where SDCA recognized members who have dedicated their time and talents to the beef industry.



Cory Eich, SDCA Past President and Chair of the award selection committee noted, “SDCA’s Cattleman of the Year is selected based on their involvement in SDCA as well as other agricultural organizations and their community.

Todd Mortenson from Hayes, SD has demonstrated his commitment to all of the above by serving as a leader in numerous beef industry organizations as well as his local community.



We are pleased to name Todd Mortenson our 2015 Cattleman of the Year.”

Mortenson is a cow-calf operator that retains ownership in both steers and heifers.

He has held several leadership offices including SDCA President, Treasurer for the South Dakota Beef Industry Council, and Chairman of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Ag Policy Committee.

Todd was also the recipient of the Leopold Conservation Award in 2011 and is a member of the West Central Cattlemen’s Affiliate, and the NCBA. He’s a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner and he volunteers as an EMS First Responder and member of the Hayes volunteer fire department.

“Like our Cattleman of the Year, SDCA’s Agribusiness of the Year honoree is selected based on their involvement with SDCA, contributions to their community, and participation in other ag organizations.

We are happy to honor Tim and Chandy Olson, owners of CATL Resources in St. Onge, SD as our 2015 Agribusiness of the Year,” said Eich.

Tim and Chandy provide veterinary and reproductive services to beef cattle herds, including custom artificial insemination projects, pregnancy ultrasound, bull testing, bangs vaccination and other services.

CATL Resources also sell livestock equipment throughout the United States and pride themselves on customizing the equipment specifications for each customer.

SDCA also recognizes a journalist who provides timely and factual information to the agricultural industry and the general public, particularly regarding the beef industry.

SDCA is pleased to honor Clint Ridley from KBHB radio in Sturgis with our 2015 Media Award.

Eich stated, “Ridley has been an on-air advocate of SDCA and the beef industry since day one.

He has stood up for the policies of South Dakota’s progressive cattlemen and advocated for the betterment of our industry.

Clint has utilized his platform in the media to provide excellent and timely content and challenge us to do better as an industry.”

SDCA also honored the outstanding conservation efforts of the Jorgensen Land and Cattle Partnership of Ideal, SD as the 2015 winners of South Dakota’s Leopold Conservation Award.

In addition, the Kopriva family of Raymond, SD was recognized as the Region VII winners of NCBA’s Environmental Stewardship Award (ESAP).

They will vie for the national ESAP title during the NCBA annual convention in January, 2016.

–South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association