2011 North Dakota Stockmen’s Ball raises more than $26,000

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation (NDSF) hosted nearly 250 people and raised more than $26,000 for beef industry scholarship, leadership, research, promotion and building projects in a night of western elegance at the inaugural Stockmen’s Ball Dec. 17 at the Ramkota Hotel in Bismarck, ND.

“We are grateful for the tremendous support and to have had this chance to gather with friends to celebrate the past and build the future of the beef industry together,” said Medina, ND rancher Jason Schmidt, NDSF president.

Major sponsors were Dakota Community Bank & Trust, Kupper Chevrolet/Abra Auto Body & Glass and Lee Agri-Media.

The night began with a social and cowboy music by North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) members Dennis and Beni Paulson of Killdeer, ND. Radio personality and Rhame, ND rancher Scott Bachmeier served as the Ball emcee. He led a program honoring those who helped pave the way for today’s beef industry and whose loved ones honored their memory with a commemorative photo in the NDSA’s Memorial Hall since the Foundation began. Honorees included Harold and Regina Artz of Antler, ND; Bland Carter of Fortuna, ND; Robert Feiring of White Earth, ND; Tilman Haadem of Tappen, ND; Fred Kist of Mandan, ND; Lyla McLean of Gilby, ND; Roy Small of Bismarck, ND; Kyle “Bud” Sperry of Trotters, ND; Albert Theodore (A.T.) Thompson of Fairfield, ND; and Allan Webster (A.W.) Thompson of Fairfield, ND.

Ball goers also heard from North Dakota State University agribusiness student Chelsey Schafer of New Rockford, ND, one of the 2011 NDSF scholarship winners. The NDSF will be offering four scholarships in 2012.

2010 World Champion Livestock Auctioneer Kyle Shobe of Lewistown, MT, called a lively fundraiser auction with lots ranging from handcrafted western furniture and an antique brand book to a handmade quilt and the pick of the replacement heifer pen from a past NDSA Rancher of the Year. The auctioneer has NDSA ties as the grandson of 62-year members Charles and Betty Shobe of New Town, ND, who were among the Ball attendees.

There was some friendly competition among bidders in the silent auction too, which featured 37 unique items.

After a prime rib supper, Shobe turned his chants into melodies as he and the rest of his band, The Walk ‘Em Boys, took the stage. Couples danced to the band’s original music, as well as songs from other popular artists.

– NDSF