The South Dakota Cattleman | Winter 2024 by sdcattleman

The

Winter 2024 Legislative Session Edition

South Dakota

Cattleman

The official publication of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association

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SDCA

Calendar of Events January 24: SDCA Board of Directors Meeting, Pierre January 25: SDCA Day at the Capitol, Pierre January 31 - February 4: Cattle Industry Convention & Tradeshow, Orlando, Florida February 5: Ag Fest, Pierre March 6: Leopold Conservation Award Nominations Due

Features Member Spotlight: Legacy of Leadership - Jones Ranch ��16-17 House Ag & Natural Resources Committee��18 Legislative Profile: Rep. Roger Chase ��19 Legislative Profile: Sen. Sydney Davis��22 Senate Ag & Natural Resources Committee ��23 Fatty Acid Supplementation & Reproductive Efficiency ��24

In Every Issue The Western Perspective ��4 From the Cattle Pen ��13 SDCA Working for You ��14-15 The Cattleman's Outlook ��21

Association & Industry News Advertising Opportunities The South Dakota Cattleman is published six times a year and sent to SDCA members including beef producers, beef industry supporters, property owners, allied industry partners, as well as state and local government officials with a circulation of 1,000.

Meet SDCA's 2024 Executive Team ��3 SDCA's 75th Convention & Trade Show Recap��6-12 Leopold Conservation Award Seeking Nominees ��25 Meet SDCA's VP of Membership ��26 Farewell & Thank You ��28

Advertising deadline is the 5th of the month prior to publication. The SDCA e-newsletter, The Cattle Guard, is emailed to all SDCA members every week. The Cattle Guard contains updates and news from SDCA, industry partners, and NCBA. Follow us on our social media platforms to stay informed of the latest SDCA news, events, and information.

Mission To advance the interests of South Dakota Cattlemen through representation and promotion of the beef industry.

Vision

To be an organization where members can work together to protect their interests; seek solutions to industry problems; provide a unified voice, and to build the good will, esteem, and recognition the industry deserves.

South Dakota Cattlemen's Association

SDCattlemen

sdcattlemen

Media Sponsors

Winter 2024

SDCA Leadership Officers

Warren Symens, President wsymens@sdcattlemen.org

Meet Your 2024 Executive Committee

Craig Bieber, Vice President craig@bieberredangus.com

Vaughn Thorstenson, Secretary/ Treasurer vwthor@venturecomm.net

Jake Harms, VP of Membership jake@bieberredangus.com

Eric Jennings, Past President ermijenn@outlook.com

Craig Bieber

Warren Symens President

Vice President

Vaughn Thorstenson

Jake Harms

Regional Representatives Bryan Gill, Northern Region

Troy Hadrick, Northern Region Drew Edleman, Northeast Region Nick Wilkinson, Northeast Region Colby Olson, Southeast Region Austin Havlik, Southeast Region Casey Heenan, Southern Region

Secretary / Treasurer

VP of Membership

Kory Bierle, Southern Region Britton Blair, Western Region Devin Stephens, Western Region

SDCA Staff Taya Runyan Executive Director trunyan@sdcattlemen.org Lorrin Naasz Director of Communications & Outreach lnaasz@sdcattlemen.org

For additional information, visit sdcattlemen.org The South Dakota Cattleman

Eric Jennings

Past President Ad Index

Farm Credit Services of America �� Front Inside Cover Pellet Technology USA �� 15 American Angus Association �� 21 Bill's Volume & Sales�� 25 Westway Feed Products �� 26 The Cattle Business Weekly �� 26 Zoetis�� 28 BOA Safra Ag �� 29 Agtegra �� 30 Custom Genetics Solutions �� 32 NCBA Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show �� Back Inside Cover Liphatech �� Back Cover

The Western Perspective Eric Jennings, SDCA Past President

“Don’t create policy in a time of crisis.” That is a quote from Jodie Anderson who served as SDCA executive director when I became president. I was first elected to serve as president in December of 2019, and it looked to be a favorable time to be in the cattle business.We had worked through the market effects of the Tyson plant fire in Holcombe, Kansas, the nation’s cattle numbers were set to peak in early 2020, beef demand was good, and with a little help from the economy it appeared we would be enjoying several good market years in the cattle industry. Little did we know that in a few short months the world would be besieged by a pandemic that, among other things, slowed the flow of cattle through the packing plants creating a backlog of fat cattle never seen. We all remember what happened next. With the packing plants unable to operate at full capacity, the demand and price for market ready fat cattle dropped. At the same time the nation’s workers (our consumers) were told to stay home and not allowed to dine at their favorite restaurants.Armed with stimulus checks they set out to purchase beef.After all, if they were told to stay home from work and the restaurants were closed and they had extra money, they were going to at least eat well. We all know that when you want something good to eat, you’re going to eat beef. Eat beef they did. Creating a record setting demand which quickly depleted an already short supply of beef due to the packing plant slow down. Simple economics dictate that when the demand goes up and the supply goes down, the price will increase to compensate. That whole scenario created record profits for the packers that were buying from an abundance of market ready cattle and selling to a hungry consumer with cash in their pocket. We dealt with messaging from other cattle associations that “our marketing model is broken, the producers and feeders are going broke while the packers are getting rich. This is a crisis and something needs to be done immediately”. We were reminded,“[d]on’t create policy in a time of crisis”. While we recognized that the feeders were stuck with market ready cattle that they literally had nowhere to go with, and if they were able to get them to a packing plant they were losing $300 per head, we also understood that ultimately this was the result of the pandemic affecting the supply and demand. Though our misguided friends choose to ignore market fundamentals, price always comes down to supply and demand. I will be the first to admit that price is sometimes artificially affected by market information that stirs emotional decisions, but when the emotions subside, supply and demand reasserts itself in controlling the market. Though somewhat unpopular, we stayed on 4

our message that the market model was not broken and that the market would correct itself when the supply of cattle decreased. We formulated that message by looking at the data, reading research from peer reviewed papers, listening to objective economists and researchers who told us that the marketing model was working and that the coming years would be very good marketing years. As we can all see from the market reports today, this proved to be correct; and I for one am glad congress didn’t make any knee jerk reactions that may have adversely affected our marketing model. I am rather enjoying marketing right now. There are improvements that could be made to our marketing model, and SDCA has policy to advocate for them, but those improvements should be developed by an examination of peer reviewed data and objective people at the table coming up with the solutions. Instead, for some, it seems like creating a crisis is the preferred method to encourage change. We see it from non-governmental organizations promoting their cause and other cattle industry associations. They fan the flames of a crisis whether real or imagined, to create emotion from their followers in the name of change. Unfortunately, it is often just to stimulate membership or fundraising. The only real avenue to change is not sexy and exciting, it involves research, collecting and sorting through ideas before a solution can be found. It then involves educating people on the merits of that solution to work toward its implementation. It can be a long and tedious process, but in the end it is a good solution that is well thought out. Not one that was created in the time of crisis. During my time as president, SDCA has gone through several changes to our association. Some are noticeable, such as the makeup of the Board of Directors. Some involve systems updates and leadership training that are less obvious to most. All of these were necessary to keep SDCA up to date and effective advocates for your interests. We didn’t wait until we were in a crisis to address the changes that needed to be made, we identified areas that needed improvement, researched solutions, formed task forces, conducted trainings, and implemented the changes necessary. SDCA is in a very healthy association and is poised to become even more effective. It hasn’t gotten to this point because of any one of us; it has gotten to this point because of ALL of us. I had the opportunity to work with an incredible group of officers and staff who were supported by membership that believed in what we are trying to do. I want to thank all of you for the opportunity to serve as your president. It was truly an awesome experience. Winter 2024

Allied Industry Members Prime Members

Corporate Members

Choice Members

Select Members Agtegra Cooperative

Dakota Ethanol, LLC

Nutrient Advisors

Central Farmers Cooperative

Elanco

Rush-Co

Custom Genetic Solutions

Floyd's Truck Center / Floyd's Kubota

Standard Members Aaladin Cleaning-Revier Pressure Washers

Millborn Seeds

SD Trucking Association

Creative Ag Production Solutions, LLC

OLS Tubs, Inc.

Steele Financial Services, LLC

Diesel Machinery, Inc

Renner Corner Locker

The Nature Conservancy

First Fidelity Bank

Ritchie Industries

White Insurance P&C Inc.

For-Most Inc.

Rock Veterinary Clinic

Supporting Members 3D Security, Inc.

Farmers & Merchants State Bank

Rivers Edge Bank

Animal Clinic, Ltd. - Winner

Feldhaus Trucking, Inc.

Sioux International

Bankwest, Inc. - Pierre

First National Bank - Ft. Pierre

Sioux Nation, LLC

Bryant State Bank

Huron Veterinary Hospital

Statewide Ag Insurance - Winner

C-Lock, Inc.

Kingbrook Rural Water System, Inc.

Summit Carbon Solutions

Cattlecents Consulting, Inc.

Lilac Lane Media

Top Dollar Angus

Chase Consulting

Liphatech (Rozol)

US Premium Beef Y-Tex Corporation

Deer Equipment

Lyle Signs Inc

De Smet Veterinary Service

Moly Manufacturing LLC / SILENCER

De-Tye Vet Supply, Inc.

Montrose Veterinary Clinic

Ed's Produce

NDEco

Allied Industry Membership information available online at sdcattlemen.org The South Dakota Cattleman

75 Annual Conven th

Trade Show

The 75th Annual Trade Show was a place for cattlemen and women to network, learn about

the newest programs and products, and take advantage of trade show promotions. Be sure to checkout the entire vendor list on pages 10 - 11.

Cattlemen's Education Series - Seminar 1 Seminar I featured ag indsutry leaders and parnters within South Dakota's academic institutions

working together to innovate advancements within the indsutry, train tomorrow's workforce, and expand marekts and profitability for producers.

•

Austin O'Brien, Dakota State University + Case New Holland

•

Western Dakota Tech + Ken Charfauros and Dan Charfauros

•

Dr. Amanda Blair, SDSU + Ryan Eichler, AgSpire

Winter 2024

ntion & Trade Show

Convention Keynote: Glen Newcomer

The keynote luncheon sponsored by First National Bank of Sioux Falls featured Glen Newcomer, who shared his

story about how a near fatal accident inspired him to create a unique business advisor board made of professionals outside of his operation. The board meets quarterly with an emphasis on transitioning the farm to the next generation, succession, and estate planning, and thinking about the business from a different perspective.

Cattlemen's Education Series - Seminar 1I Moderated by NCBA's Past President, Don Schiefelbein, panelists built off the keynote address to help producers build a business team that supports their operation and goals.

•

Kyle Peters, A1 Development

•

Alan Hojer, Manager & Legacy Consultant of "Keep Farmers Farming" a division of First

•

Kiera Leddy, Lawyer at Siegel, Barnett, and Schutz Dakota National Bank

Heather Gessner, SDSU Extension Field Specialist Livestock Business Managment

The South Dakota Cattleman

Best of Beef Happy Hour

A great first night of Convention at the Best of Beef Happy Hour that featured heavy hors d’oeuvres

showcasing the best of beef and celebrating our industry partners, members, vendors, and attendees. Todd Wilkinson, SDCA member and DeSmet native who currently serves as the Preisdent of the

National Cattlemen's Beef Association recognized the South Dakota State University Collegiate Cattlemen at the Best of Beef Happy Hour. Following a challenge this spring from Wilkinson, the club signed up over 50 new NCBA members. Way to go SDSU Collegiate Cattlemen!

Market Update by CattleFax

CattleFax gave cattlemen and women an update on the cattle market. Check out page 27 for an update.

Winter 2024

Macksteel Social Hour, Cattlemen's Banquet & President's Auction A successful last night of convention included the Macksteel Social Hour, Cattlemen's Banquet, and President's Auction. At the banquet, SDCA was proud to highlight Slovek Ranch of Philip, SD, as the 2023 Leopold Conservation Recipients. SDCA also announced the 2023 Friend of SDCA, Bridgette Readel, and Cattleman of the Year, Bill Slovek. The Cattlemen's Banquet ended with a special announcement about the launch of the SDCA Leadership Academy. Learn more about the Academy on page 14 and 15. Thank you to all that supported the President's Auction through donation or participation at the auction. Funds raised through the President's Auction offset expenses for SDCA’s officers and volunteer Board of Directors when they travel on behalf of the SDCA to national events.

Final Draw raffle at the President's Auction sponsored by Form-A-Feed.

Bridgette Readel, Friend of SDCA, Warren Symens, SDCA President, and Bill Slovek, Cattleman of the Year.

The South Dakota Cattleman

Trade Sh

Thank you to the Trade Show ven to support those that su

Winter 2024

how 2023

ndors! SDCA encourages members upport the cattle industry!

The South Dakota Cattleman

Roping Contest POWERED BY

+ Double D Western, LLC The Merck Roping Contest at the Annual Convention & Trade Show was a success! Ropers competed in a King of the Reach and Team Roping contest.

King of the Reach

Team Roping Results

Casey Heenan

1st Place - Corey Maalands & Jace TeKrony 2nd Place - Jace TeKrony & Zack Sibbel

3rd Place - Casey Heenan & Corey Maalands

Winter 2024

From the Cattle Pen Warren Symens, SDCA President

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association for your participation and support over the last 4 years and for your vote of confidence at the recent convention. I’m a fourthgeneration farmer/rancher/cattle feeder in northeast South Dakota, near Amherst. I operate with one cousin, Brad Symens, an uncle, John Symens, and one employee, Thad Jensen. My dad, Paul Symens, is retired but is still a source of encouragement and experience for us. We raise registered Limousin cattle and sell around 100 bulls and 30 females each year, as well as finish several hundred head. We also raise corn, beans, and forages for feed. My wife, Stephanie, is a teacher, coach, and activities director at Britton-Hecla high school. My oldest son, Owen, is in his second year at Lake Area Technical College. My daughter, Erika, is a freshman at School of Mines in Rapid City, and my youngest boy, Emmett, is a freshman at Britton-Hecla. This edition of From the Cattle Pen comes on the heels of a successful South Dakota Cattlemen’s Convention & Trade Show in Watertown, SD. There were good crowds at the social events and the various educational talks that were going on.Vendor aisles had people stopping at booths to talk about products and services. Committee meetings had members involved and engaged, discussing, and debating policy to bring to the full membership meeting. Involvement in policy making is at the top of the list of reasons to become a member of groups like SDCA. I hear it everywhere I go: “If you’re not at the table, you’ll be on the menu.” Our members have been at the forefront of creating policy that shapes the rules we abide by in the cattle business. Beyond that, our best membership recruitment comes from our members themselves. SDCA members recognize that the more perspectives we bring to the table, the more that policy can become a force for all instead of the few. Before I got involved with SDCA, I thought I had a pretty good idea of how things worked, and how I thought they could work better. After a couple years of listening and watching, I began to see it wasn’t as cut and dried as I thought. I’ve learned that there’s a reason that things are the way they are, both good and bad, and it really is true that those who don’t learn from history are condemned to repeat it. SDCA provides The South Dakota Cattleman

opportunities to learn those lessons by examining how past policies have had farther reaching consequences than were anticipated. This takes retrospective and introspective reflection on what the intentions were, what could have been different, and how we can avoid promoting an idea that may sound or look good on the surface, but quickly turns into a short-sighted failure. Beyond policy, throughout the year, and at convention, SDCA provides countless educational opportunities to serve its members.Whether its learning about technology, new research results involving cattle, grazing, forage production, new programs, available funding, or other topics important to producers, members can take advantage of what’s offered and apply it at home within their operations. Looking back at the 24 previous articles I penned as SDCA Vice President, I’ve touched on faith, attitude, optimism, gratitude, and integrity. The faith that comes with being good stewards of our blessings, helps us keep an optimistic attitude when times are tough. A thankful heart in times of good weather and better prices helps shape how we approach the decision-making process at SDCA and on our farms and ranches. Having integrity in all we do is not only the right way, but it allows us to grow membership that is engaged and looking to the future.We must always keep in mind that taking the high road means never having to issue an apology after a disagreement or difference of opinion. Everything I’ve mentioned looking back still holds true going forward. The board will continue to approach it’s work with an attitude of service to membership. It is that servant leadership that will guide us in not just preparing for the future but being proactive in shaping it for all of us in the cattle business in South Dakota.There is a need for all of us to pull together as an industry. Because we’re so few in numbers in this business, there has always been a need for us to recognize what we have in common and come together to present that story to law makers and to the public. Looking out for our neighbors comes naturally to most folks in South Dakota, and I’ve found being a part of this association lifts me up when I need it. The organization continues to evolve and grow to better serve its members.It’s an exciting time at SDCA,come grow with us.

SDCA Working for You

Taya Runyan, SDCA Executive Director Annual Meeting Recap At the annual business meeting, officer elections were held.The newly elected officers include President Warren Symens, Vice President Craig Bieber, Vice President of Membership Jake Harms. Vaughn Thorstenson continues in his role as Secretary/Treasurer and Eric Jennings assumes the role of Past President. Several bylaw amendments were passed. The members voted to amend the voting status of councils on the Board of Directors. Members also voted to expand access to groups other than councils to petition the board for ex-officio non-voting membership. Standing committees to address unique issues of events that are specific to feeders or cow-calf segments can also now be established. Several new policies were passed out of committee,reviewed by the resolution committee, and passed by the membership. • •

AGP-2023-00 Fake Meat AGP-2023-01Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations CHW-2023-00 Vaccine Development FED-2023-00 Enforcement of Rules for recreation FED-2023-01 Conservation Use only on USFS and BLM INT-2023-00 Imported Beef Compliance

• • • •

Many other existing policies were amended for clarity or to reflect current law or industry standard. Per the SDCA bylaws, any policy that was five years old was to sunset unless reviewed and renewed by the members. A full text of the 2024 policy resolution book will be provided to voting members in late January. It c a n a l s o b e v i ewe d o n t h e S D C A we b s i t e . Zoning Local zoning board decisions directly impact area producers but can also have an indirect impact on producers across the state. For those reasons, it is important to monitor local issues and engage with local governments to educate them. This fall, the McCook County Commission has considered several changes that impact concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO). The discussion has focused largely on setbacks, radius of common ownership, and the threshold of animal units that require a permit from the county. SDCA provided written comments and testimony to the Commission about how cattle producers 14

would be impacted differently than other livestock operations by the proposed changes. This is an ongoing issue with the next hearing taking place mid-January. Legislative Session In December, Governor Noem presented her annual budget address, detailing her proposed budget for the remainder of Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 and the 2025 FY. The Governor focused on strengthening education, maintaining a strong work force, and keeping people healthy which includes a 4% increase for the “big three” -- education, community health providers, and state employees. With record surpluses and strong sales tax revenues, there will be additional funds available for both one time and ongoing spending. Other issues that will likely be addressed this year include adequate correctional facilities, property rights, eminent domain, and county funding. On January 9, legislators will gather in Pierre to begin the 99th legislative session. On page 20 you will find resources to you be engaged during session. Follow along with SDCA as we track bills and take action based on the policy resolutions that have been passed by SDCA members. SDCA Leadership Academy At convention, the SDCA announced the creation of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy, a new program offered through the SDCA to inspire and empower leaders in the cattle industry and make a positive impact. The program will be comprised of five seminars and experiential learning opportunities alongside cattle industry veterans and experts. These experiences over the course of a year will give participants the skills and expertise to be leaders in the industry and ensure the industry’s long-term viability. A steering committee was appointed to begin developing curriculum and application criteria. Applications will open later this year and the first class will be announced at the 2024 Convention & Trade Show in Pierre.

2024 Policy Resolutions

SDCA Legislative Resources & Bill Tracker

Winter 2024

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The South Dakota Cattleman

Legacy of Leadership Jones Ranch of Midland, SD

For over 130 years the Jones family have run cattle on the grasslands near Midland, South Dakota. Ralph “Shorty” Jones says “I never wanted to do anything else other than be a cowboy, and there was a lot of things that came along with being a cowboy that you had to do, but what I really enjoy is just being on the ranch. There is nothing better than saddling up your horse and spending the day working your cattle or helping a neighbor work theirs. That's what I really look forward to and still enjoy doing.” For nearly a century, Shorty has been doing what he loves, riding horseback and doing ranch work on the land that he and his family call home. Shorty and his wife, Maxine, recently welcomed Taya Runyan to their ranch for a morning to share stories over coffee and talk about family, leadership, how the cattle industry has changed, and how it has stayed the same over the years. The Ranch Shorty’s grandfather, Tom Jones, was born in Wisconsin a few weeks after his parents immigrated from Wales, and moved to Iowa, and later to Washington. As a young man he took a job training horses and made several trips across the Midwest. He had seen the grass in this country and knew this is where he wanted to stay. He bought a log cabin, and in 1892, he filed a claim on the land. He was well known and liked in the community and treated the other homesteaders well -- if they decided to sell, they would go to him knowing they would be treated fairly. He put together the ranch one quarter at a time. After Tom’s son (Shorty’s father) got out of college he came back to the ranch and joined the operation. Later, when Shorty and his brothers grew up, they started to acquire a few cattle of their own. Shorty recalled, “folks, they always made room for us to expand our cattle too, we kind of kept expanding whenever we had an opportunity and we thought that it would work. We’ve added to the generations, and I tried to make room for two of our boys to be on the ranch, and our grandchildren too.” Today the ranch is over 25,000 acres of grasslands. They raise a few Red Angus and half a dozen Longhorn steers, but mostly Black Angus because that is what the customer is looking for. The way some things are done on the ranch has evolved and some things have stayed the same over the last century. The Jones family still handles their cattle on horseback, and when 16

it comes time to brand, a big crew of family and neighbors comes to help.They still use a wood fire to heat the branding irons and drag all the cows to the fire horseback. But way they work the cattle has changed with the times incorporating different strategies for wintering the herd, breeding, weaning, and marketing. Other things have changed too. The use of technology has changed how they do things around the ranch, and while Shorty was the first to admit that he doesn’t change easily or understand all the technology, what he sees from his sons and grandsons is progressive and that they seem to be on the right track. Another change Maxine pointed out, was that there are a lot of girls working on the ranch now and their roles have changed. She recalled, “when I was young I did help with the cooking and carrying meals out to the men, now the younger women are more riding and things like that. ” Shorty spoke of his two great granddaughters, ages eight and eleven, helping out on a recent day off school,“they were there helping us, they worked all day long, when I came home I just bragged to Maxine about how good those girls were for help, makes me really proud. I guess that's what makes this worth doing is trying to make it so the next generation and the following generations can continue. That’s what we got from my folks and grandparents, what they did for us -- it's quite a legacy.” Family Life on the Ranch Shorty grew up with his brothers on the ranch working alongside their father and the other cowboys. Named Ralph after his father, they began calling him Ralphie to distinguish between the two of them. One of the cowboys who had been there for many years decided one day “we can't have a cowboy named Ralphie.” Shorty chuckled recalling, “that old bachelor cowboy hung Shorty on me and I've been grateful for that ever since!” At a local dance, a friend told Shorty that “Maxine Calhoun is prettiest girl in Midland - you want to date her” and then he did.The two were married in the spring when Shorty was 20 and Maxine was 16. After a whirlwind honeymoon to the Black Hills and a brief time living in Midland, they settled in at the ranch. Sixty-six years later they have built a home and raised a family there. One the secret to their marriage, Shorty credited Maxine with “sticking with me through thick and thin and all the decisions I made along the way.” Winter 2024

A true partnership, he also talked about how they shared their success and failures along the way. Maxine and Shorty raised three sons and a daughter. One son is in Rapid City and their daughter is in Omaha. Two of their sons, Scott and Barry have come back to the ranch. According to Shorty and Maxine, “we've been able to expand our operation enough with the help of the boys and two grandsons, we couldn't have done it without them.” There are challenges ahead for the next generation, from government regulations and environmental restrictions to the ever-rising cost of overhead. Though Shorty expressed optimism for the future, “I think is kind of interesting all that we still trade work and things with a lot of the same families that my ancestors did, we have that inner reliance on each other, and community is really important still in this industry. I don't think you can do it by yourself, you know in a bubble. All of agriculture is this way.” Leadership & Legacy When asked what made him want to be involved with various stockmen’s organizations, Shorty explained, “it’s hereditary really. Both grandfathers were outgoing people, they were leaders and it kind of came naturally that they’d encourage my dad and us boys to be the same way. They were strong on civic duty and that it was your responsibility to help others. My grandfather was the last open range cowman to be president of the Stockgrowers. He attended the national meetings for years and years and then my dad was president, and then I was president - it was something our family had always done, to try and shape the industry. He regularly attended the Junior National Cattlemen’s convention, and at one point served as the president. As president he was able to participate in the program which eventually became the Young Cattlemen's Conference (YCC). Shorty had the opportunity to go to Chicago as a program participant in 1958 to learn about the packing plants, tour the stockyards, and be paired with cattle buyers to learn more about the process. He made lifelong friends and important contacts within the industry. He continues to support YCC and was encouraged to learn of the new SDCA Leadership Academy, saying “that sounds like a very interesting and worthwhile program to me, you know the future of the industry is with the young people.”

Stockgrowers and South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association,and while the two organizations were unable to find enough common ground to merge, Shorty was determined to stay involved in leading the industry. He became active in South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association as well as the NCA which later became the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and served on the national Beef Board. When the Nebraska Cattlemen approached the Joneses to represent the industry in a lawsuit to protect the checkoff, “we were glad to do it,” the couple agreed. The case went all the way to the Supreme Court. “That was a wonderful experience and a real highlight for us.” Educating people on the beef checkoff was a real win for the industry. Maxine’s family has a long history in the cattle industry, too. Her grandfather was a former president of the Cowboys of 1902, the cowboys that took part in the last big open range round up. Formed in the late 1940’s, the group which also included Shorty’s grandfather as its first president, would gather at annual conventions and have quite the stories to tell. Maxine has been a leader in her own right over the years. She has been involved in local organizations, their church, and served as president of the South Dakota Cattlewomen and represented the organization on the South Dakota Beef Industry Council. She credits her and Shorty’s parents as the reason they were able to be as involved as they were, “I guess our parents probably encouraged us you know -- they were still pretty busy doing things themselves when we were married and having kids, but they still made time for us to do things.” Shorty and Maxine encourage their children and grandchildren to continue the family commitment to leadership.The issues that cattle producers faced decades ago are about the same as they are today. Animal health, government regulation and overreach, and brand inspection to name a few. “We always wonder if we have accomplished anything, but then I think where we would have ended up if we hadn’t been there.” Educating people about the cattle industry is one of the most important things we have to continue to do. Shorty says that on a national level,“so many of the lawmakers have no connection anymore to agriculture, they are second and third generation removed.” Even here in the state, “it’s going to be more of a challenge than it used to be to try to educate everybody.”

In South Dakota, for most of his life, he was involved with the original Stockgrowers until they separated from the National Cattlemen’s Association (NCA). Shorty served as the chairman of the merger committee attempting to combine the The South Dakota Cattleman

2024

House of Representatives

Ag & Natural Resources Committee

Roger Chase | District 22 Chair

Marty Overweg | District 21 Vice Chair

James Wangsness | District 21 Majority Whip

Julie Auch District 18

Randy Gross District 25

Trish Ladner District 30

Karla Lems District 16

Drew Peterson District 19

Stephanie Sauder District 4

Lynn Schneider District 22

John Sjaarda District 2

Tamara St. John District 1

Kadyn Wittman District 15

Winter 2024

Legislative Profile: Representative Roger Chase

SDCA: Tell us a about your background. Rep. Roger Chase: I am partner in Chase Grain and Cattle with my oldest son Derek. Our farming operation is located north of Huron where we raise soybeans, corn and alfalfa. We also have a cow- calf operation where we background our calves as well as feed some additional cattle that we purchase. I have been married to Michelle for 32 years and we have three grown children and four grandchildren.

impacts rural issues it is our responsibility to educate them. There are issues that I reach out to others to gain a better understanding of proposed legislation. Rural legislators need to work with our urban counterparts and invite them to our farms and ranches. Legislators should never have a "us versus them" mentality. Working together, educating each other always builds trust that goes a long way in the legislative session.

SDCA: Tell us a little about what you do when you are not serving in the statehouse. Rep. Chase: Along with the farming operation I have owned Action Realty in Huron since 1990. This is a full service real estate office marketing residential and commercial property and land in the Huron area. I serve on several community boards and enjoy giving back to the community. My main hobby is working on the farm. Tractor therapy and working with livestock takes away from the stress of both the legislature and the world of real estate.

SDCA: How can SDCA and our members assist our elected leaders in their decision making? Rep. Chase: Anyone connected to raising cattle or any type of livestock needs to reach out and introduce themselves to their legislators. Legislators like to meet and build trust with their constituents back home. Invite them to your farm or ranch and show them the pride you have in your profession. Explain to them that you are always available to answer any questions or concerns they may have during a legislative session.

SDCA:What inspired you to go into public service and run for the legislature? Rep. Chase: I have always been interested in the legislative process. I was an intern in the legislature when I was in college, and that is where I knew that someday I would like to serve. I served as a Beadle County Commissioner from 2001-2008 when my kids were young. When my youngest son graduated from high school in 2016 that is when I decided to run for the legislature. I enjoy serving to advocate for agriculture and business. Decisions made in Pierre impact us all. I want to be part of the decisions that move South Dakota forward in a positive way for future generations to enjoy. SDCA:There are many legislators in urban districts. How do you as a legislator from rural districts educate your peers in agricultural issues. Rep. Chase: The legislature is a broad mix of exceptionally talented citizen legislators. If legislators need help understanding proposed legislation that The South Dakota Cattleman

SDCA: How can groups with differing opinions still manage to find a path forward together? Rep. Chase: Welcome to the legislature! When the legislature convenes each year there are 105 legislators, 1 governor and many different governmental departments and countless lobbyists that all share their vision of what or what does not need to get done.Having a good dialog, building trust and relationships go a long way towards getting thing done!

SDCA: What are your goals for the 2024 session? Rep. Chase: The 2024 session will be my final session. I believe we will have a busy session with more bills than normal. I'm looking forward to leading the Agriculture and Natural Resources committee again on issues important to agriculture and cattle producers. Take time and come see the legislative process. Legislators like to see friends and neighbors from back home, visit Pierre!

Get involved in Session 2024 In grassroots policy organizations like the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, members work to create policy and set the tone of the organization. When January rolls around, it may be tempting to leave the legislative work to the lobbyists or the Board of Directors, but the role individual members play in the process is just as important -- if not more important -- to accomplishing the organization’s goals. here are a few ways you can be involved and make a difference during session: ATTEND LOCAL EVENTS Cracker barrels and legislative coffee events that take place throughout session give you an opportunity to meet your elected leaders, hear what initiatives are important to them, and discuss what is important to you and the organizations you support. STAY INFORMED The SDCA legislative update is a weekly newsletter during session to keep you informed about the bills that have been filed, which bills and issues SDCA will take a position or at on, and how you can support those efforts.

TELL YOUR STORY Often times, a bill sounds good on paper, but there are unintended consequences. If there is a bill that would negatively impact you, your operation, or your community, it’s important to share that perspective with your organization leaders, lobbyists, and with legislators directly. Session isn’t all about fighting bad legislation. Often the biggest successes are when ag groups join to pass legislation that helps producers. If there is a bill that would have impact, or you would have an idea that could solve that issue, share that too! ATTEND A COMMITTEE MEETING The committee hearing allows legislators to hear testimony both for and against a bill. Hearing directly from an impacted constituent can make a difference if a legislator is on the fence. If there is an issue you feel passionate about, work with your industry organizations and lobbyist to find out how to ensure you voice is heard.

Winter 2024

The Cattleman's Outlook

A Heartfelt Thanks and a Commitment to Progress

By: Craig Bieber, Vice President Dear Cattlemen and Cattlewomen, strive to elevate our association to five-star status. As another splendid year came to a close, Im compelled to express my sincere gratitude for the trust you've placed in me by electing me as the Vice President of the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association (SDCA). It is a tremendous honor to serve in this capacity, and I am eager to contribute to the betterment of our association. I along with my wife Peggy, own and operate Bieber Red Angus Ranch, a legacy operation that spans nearly six decades.

Engagement and collaboration are key. I believe in fostering open discussions on policy issues and value hearing from members with diverse perspectives. As we move forward, there are areas that warrant a closer look. Setting expectations for leadership, reevaluating the role of councils and committees, and reinforcing the importance of membership in trade organizations are among the critical aspects we must consider.

Our ranch, situated nine miles west of Leola, SD, is not just a piece of land; it is a testament to the dedication and hard work put in by my parents, Ron and Lois Bieber. They laid the foundation for the work we continue today. Family is at the core of our operation, and it carries over with our two adult children, Eric and Kristin. Eric is an ag insurance agent at Insurance Plus and resides in Aberdeen with his wife Megan and our granddaughters, Presley and Kylie. Kristin, alongside her husband Jake, have become an integral part of running our ranch.They bring our two other granddaughters, Hartley and Londyn, and our grandson Holton (as well as a 4th grandchild on the way) to the ranch every day.

Membership in trade organizations not only empowers us to influence industry-related issues but also facilitates the exchange of ideas and networking with fellow producers. These connections are invaluable as we work together to impact our industry positively and maintain our global leadership in cattle production.

Our focus at Bieber Red Angus Ranch is on providing quality Red Angus seedstock cattle to operations across the nation. With around 900 registered Red Angus females, we handle all aspects of genetic development and marketing right here on our ranch. Over the years, I've had the privilege of serving in various capacities, including as a director on the South Dakota Beef Industry Council, United States Meat Export Federation Director, and as a past president of the Red Angus Association. I also had the honor of presiding over the Beef Improvement Federation as its president in 2015-2016. Recently, I was elected to a second term as a director for the Red Angus Association, and I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue serving on that board. My decision to actively participate in the SDCA stems from a deep respect for the credibility this organization has built within our state government in Pierre. Our membership plays a crucial role in shaping the policies that govern our industry. In these challenging times, particularly with the impact of Covid on membership engagement and renewal, it is vital for us all to rally behind our executive director, Taya Runyan and other staff, and collectively The South Dakota Cattleman

In closing, I am excited about the journey ahead and the collective efforts we will undertake to ensure the prosperity of the SDCA.Your involvement and commitment are vital as we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie before us.

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Regional Manager

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Legislative Profile: Senator Sydney Davis

SDCA: Tell us a about your background. Sen. Sydney Davis: I'm a 4th generation cattle producer who grew up on a cow-calf operation outside of Mitchell, SD. I was knee-deep in 4-H, FFA, and showing livestock from my early days. Now, with my husband Garrett, we operate a cattle feedlot focused on custom feeding and heifer development. We also run a small cow-calf herd. Beyond agriculture, I was led by a strong desire to make a positive impact on others to a career in healthcare as a nurse. I work as a Certified Registered Nurse and Anesthetist at the Vermillion Hospital. I earned my nursing degree from SDSU and a master's degree from Mount Marty College. SDCA:Tell us a little about what you do when you are not serving in the statehouse. Sen. Davis: In addition to our feedlot, I continue to work full-time at the Vermillion Hospital. My husband, Garrett, and I have two children, Bo and Pepper, and we enjoy time spent with family and friends. SDCA:What inspired you to go into public service and run for the legislature? Sen. Davis: Balancing the demands of tending to both cattle and patients, I've come to appreciate the unique blend of my agricultural roots and healthcare career. In 2020, I worked on some healthcare legislation. That experience taught me so much about the legislative process and the importance of citizens being involved and engaged in crafting the laws that regulate and maintain order. Healthcare is an issue that impacts each of us. However, I was concerned that individuals with a background and education in healthcare were underrepresented in Pierre. This inspired me to step up and run for office. Upon being elected, I also found few legislators with a background in agriculture, our state's number one industry with a profound economic impact. My healthcare and agriculture background allows me to bring that experience to issues facing our state's population.

SDCA:There are many legislators in urban districts. How do you as a legislator from rural districts educate your peers in agricultural issues. Sen. Davis: The issues facing the citizens of District 17 are a blend of concerns of rural and urban populations. In balancing those varied interests, starting on common ground is essential - a fundamental building block

in any relationship. While the methods and focus may vary, most issues are interconnected. For example, issues that impact agriculture producers in rural regions can have a relevant influence on food security in urban areas. Finding those fundamental common goals is a great way to work towards a solution. SDCA: How can SDCA and our members assist our elected leaders in their decision making? Sen. Davis:Building relationships with decision-makers is important for individuals or groups seeking to influence policies and decisions. Get to know your legislators. Attend legislative coffees, town halls, or other events where decision-makers may be present. This allows you to introduce yourself, express your concerns, and build a personal connection. Then, instead of just highlighting problems, offer constructive solutions to the challenges at hand. Then, your expertise in the agricultural arena will be evident and make it more likely for them to reach out to a constituent they know and trust for opinions on how an issue may impact the district. SDCA:How can groups with differing opinions still manage to find a path forward together? Sen. Davis: It’s a challenging proposition. The best way to start meaningful conversations with a different point of view is to find a point where everyone can agree and build from that common ground. It’s essential to give respect to an opinion that is formed by an experience that is different than your own. Effective collaboration involves appreciating different views and embracing compromise while focusing on shared goals. SDCA: What are your goals for the 2024 session? Sen. Davis: In the last session, we did have some wins for workforce development. That progress was meaningful, but workforce development and availability remain issues across all industries. If we hope to maintain our strong economy, the legislature must continue to focus on ways to support the growth of our employee base.I will continue to advocate for rural healthcare access, especially for our elderly and aging populations. Additionally, county governments need help. I’m looking forward to discussions on how the state can provide support in a meaningful way. Winter 2024

2024

Senate

Ag & Natural Resources Committee

Herman Otten| District 6 Chair

Liz Larson District 10

Erin Tobin District 21

Al Novstrup District 3 The South Dakota Cattleman

Randy Deibert | District 31 Vice Chair

Jim Mehlhaff District 24

Joshua Klumb District 20 23

Fatty Acid Supplementation as a Tool to Improve Reproductive Efficiency By: Jessica Drum, SDSU Extension Beef Reproduction Physiology Specialist Kendal Green, SDSU Graduate Student

For most spring calving producers, this is the time to think about the upcoming calving season and sooner than we think, breeding season will be right on the corner. Nutritional management between calving to breeding is one of the most important components that impact reproductive success in beef herds.

reproduction in terms of fertility as well as cyclicity. So, what is the difference? Omega-6 fats are proinflammatory with their omega-3 counterparts being anti-inflammatory. While both have reproductive benefits when supplemented, over-feeding one may cause inhibition of the effects of the other.

Among the several keys to proper nutritional management are included: a diet with adequate energy and protein pre-calving and a nutrient-dense diet post-calving. That will reduce the number of days a cow spends in postpartum anestrus. The negative energy balance is the status when cows are using more energy than they consume. It is most impactful in early lactation when the cow must consume enough energy to maintain herself and a newborn calf. Reproduction is the first physiological process to be affected by a drastic negative energy balance. The optimal time for re-breeding typically falls during the early lactation stage where the cow is most susceptible to being in this state. However, it is known that a cow fed a high-energy diet from calving to breeding will come into heat earlier and have higher conception rates than cows fed at or below recommendation.

Each type influences the production of different reproductive hormones. Omega-6, being proinflammatory, increases the production of prostaglandins which is associated to cows returning to heat. However, overproduction of prostaglandins may terminate a pregnancy or prevent a cow from conceiving in the first place. It is still to be determined how much is too much supplementation. Conversely, omega-3 fat increases progesterone production. Progesterone is the key hormone to maintain pregnancy, being responsible for preparing the uterus for the embryo's implantation. Researchers have shown that not only omega-3 fats increased progesterone and pregnancy maintenance, but also improved pregnancy establishment after first service AI (Artificial Insemination) by over 10%.

Many producers in South Dakota raise their females in dry lots until the breeding season when they are inseminated and turned out to pasture. This management facilitates pre-breeding supplementation and maintenance of the energy status. But, with the cows being transferred to the pasture right away, depending on their condition, some extra supplementation might be considered to maintain their energy balance. Fatty acid supplementation has become a method of interest to both producers and researchers lately. Utilizing a fat source could be an effective way to meet the higher energy requirement and add reproductive benefits. There are 2 groups of fatty acids: non-essential and essential. The cow’s body can synthesize non-essential fatty acids on its own but must be supplemented with the essential ones. Within the essential fatty acids are the omega-3 and omega-6 families. Sunflower oil is known to be rich in Omega-6 fatty acids while Omega-3 can be found in flax seed oils.

A question that remains unanswered is how exactly fatty acids supplementation would impact embryo production and quality leading to better pregnancy rates. We hope to have that question closer to answered soon at SDSU. A study has been conducted to analyze the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on follicular dynamics/ cyclicity, embryo production, and viability. This study is being performed on Angus-cross cows, receiving or not a flax seed oil product for 30-45 days (about 1 and a half months) prior to embryo collection. Flax seed oil has a high amount of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. It is hypothesized that flax supplementation will impact the number of viable embryos, follicles per wave, and circulating progesterone concentrations. Regardless of the source, supplementation of fatty acids has shown many positive outcomes on reproduction.Those include increased conception rates, lower pregnancy loss, and increased concentration of hormones that are crucial to reproduction. Producers need to be aware of the options available in the market and their impact to make economically viable decisions for their operation.

Both essential fatty acid groups have been shown to aid in 24

Winter 2024

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Jake Harms is a Manager at Bieber Red Angus Ranch near Leola, where he and his wife Kristin look forward to being the third generation of operators. He began his ranching career seven years ago, and has built his expertise for cattle production, land management, livestock nutrition, and business management under some of the best mentors in the industry. He attended the University Center of Sioux Falls and graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of South Dakota. He has an extensive background in sales and customer service over his professional career. Jake is a graduate of SDSU Extension’s BeefSD Class V and the Red Angus Association of America’s Learn from the Best Class II. 26

Winter 2024

Executive Summary: Expansion in Slow Motion By Duane Lenz The U.S. beef cow herd peaked in 2019 and will be down by nearly 3.4 million head to begin 2024. Expansion has yet to occur on a national level. The slow transition means that several years of tighter cattle numbers and reduced beef supplies are still ahead. There are many challenges contributing to lack of expansion. Lingering drought, high interest rates, limited labor availability, high costs, age of producer, and market and economic uncertainty are some of the key factors impeding expansion to this point. As a result, the beef cow herd is not expected to show an increase until January 2026. The smaller beef cowherd trend the last few years has meant smaller calf crops. The lack of heifer retention up to this point has added a few more to the feeder cattle supplies but is not enough to overcome the macro trend of reduced feeder cattle and calf supplies and smaller fed cattle slaughter during the next few years. Once heifers are actively being retained, that will further exacerbate the supply decline. These reductions to cattle supply and slaughter will allow for cattle producers to gain and maintain leverage, keeping packer margins narrower on average for the next couple of years. Economic uncertainty remains elevated, both at home and abroad. U.S. economic growth continues to beat expectations but slowing economic growth into 2024 is widely expected, largely due to the fallout from higher interest rates. Whether a recession occurs or not is anyone’s guess, but a strong labor market and low unemployment should buffer the downside to the consumer.

The South Dakota Cattleman

Beef demand should remain historically strong and favors an increasing price trend at the wholesale and retail level. Still, prices are not expected to keep up with the pace suggested by tightening supplies, so demand will be measurably softer relative to 2023 levels.Adequate production and relatively lower prices for pork and poultry will also be limiting factors to beef prices. The long-term pattern of growing global demand for U.S. beef will remain at play. Slowing global economic growth will be a headwind, especially in China, Japan, and South Korea – the three biggest U.S. markets. Still, the drop in domestic beef production is likely to be the main factor in reduced exports for U.S. beef in the coming years. The current cattle cycle will continue to be slower and more prolonged than the previous cycle, which was the most rapid in history. Mother Nature and market signals have not yet been strong enough to incentivize expansion. The producer needs confidence in sustained margins for several years to rebuild herds, and even when that does happen, supplies will increase at a much more gradual rate than what was seen from 2014 to 2016. The price trend, on average, will be higher in 2024 and the next few years for fed cattle, feeder cattle and calves. The largest one-year price increase for this cattle cycle is behind us after the impulsive move the market experienced in 2023, but there will be further increases as supplies continue to tighten. As a reminder, the US average 550-pound steer calf price in the fall of 2023 was about $80/cwt. or $440/head higher than the fall of 2022. Fed and feeder cattle prices have also averaged over $400/head higher in 2023 compared to 2022.

Farewell and Thank You Eric Jennings, SDCA Past President

As my time representing SDCA as your president comes to an end, I wanted to offer thanks to a few folks who helped along the way.

Taya

Thank you to my wife, for allowing me the time away and taking care of things while I was gone, even though she would have liked to have been traveling with me; for listening to my rants that allowed me to get past the emotion and look for solutions; and in general, for putting up with me.

Taya loves to stay in the background, so you probably don’t see a fourth of what she contributes to this association. She is passionate about making SDCA the premier ag industry association in South Dakota and is constantly looking for ways to improve SDCA. She took our ideas and figured out how to make them work and brought us many of her own ideas for the advancement of SDCA. She also brought Lorrin to us.

Warren

Lorrin

Michelle

Wa rre n s e r ve d a s v i c e p re s i d e n t w i t h h o n o r, impeccable character, and integrity; he took on anything I asked wholeheartedly. Warren is a good friend who became a great friend, and I will always appreciate the time we spent working together.

Behind that fun loving personality that Lorrin projects, is an extremely hard-working and dedicated communications person. Our social media presence and magazine quality continue to get better with every post and issue. Our advertising sales have gone up because of her hard work and she has done a great job of getting producer members stories out into the public.

Craig

His enthusiasm and dedication to SDCA were just what that new position needed to get it off to a new start. We could not have had a better first VP of Membership. He also made a great sparring partner – who constantly tried to lead me away from the agenda during BOD meetings.

SDCA Members

When you are the lead spokesman of an association, you sometimes have to stick your neck out there and be ready for some backlash. I am honored to say that I have felt far more support and encouragement from all of you than negative response from others. I have gotten emails, received kind words, and even handwritten notes. That support is invaluable when the task at hand is telling our industry what they need to hear and not what they want to hear. Thank you to ever yone for making the last four years such an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

Vaughn/Carl

T h ey p ro b a b ly s i g n e d u p fo r m o re t h a n t h ey realized. They each faithfully served in the Secretary/ Treasurer role even though it meant time away from their families and operations at inopportune times. Jeff

Jeff willingly stepped in and filled the Past Presidents position. Even though it wasn’t something he was looking for, he was fully engaged and accomplished his duties.

Sam Sletta

Meet Your Rep

Northeastern SD & East Central ND

Sam.sletta@zoetis.com 507-766-2048

Craig Dybedahl

East Central SD

Amy Pravecek

Western SD & Northeastern WY amy.pravecek@zoetis.com 605-390-4241

Kelsey Swainston

craig.dybedahl@zoetis.com 605-310-2279

Central SD

kelsey.swainston@zoetis.com 208-249-6005

Shirley Thompson

Southeastern SD

shirley.thompson@zoetis.com 605-360-6546

Winter 2024

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Winter 2024

FOR THE

CATTLEKIDS! New Year Edition

LET'S COUNT BALLOONS!

UNSCRAMBLE THE WORDS!

THA

SAKRPELRS

TSRAS

LCOKC

RDNAOG

RYAE

Answers from left to right: hat, sparklers, stars, clock, dragon, year

The South Dakota Cattleman

SDCA Affiliate Contacts Black Hills: Britton Blair,Vale • 605-347-0426 • britton.blair@yahoo.com

Central: Scott Slepikas, Huron • 605-354-1870 • slepikasfarm@gmail.com.

Upcoming Events: • • • • •

January 24 - 25, 2024 | South Dakota Academy of Family Physicians Conference, Deadwood, SD January 26 - February 3, 204 | Black Hills Stock Show + Rodeo Rapid City January 29, 2024 | FFA Days Presentation (Black Hills Stock Show + Rodeo Rapid City) February 2, 2024 | South Dakota American Heart Association “Go Red for Women”, Sioux Falls, SD February 24, 2024 | South Dakota American Heart Association “Go Red for Women”, Rapid City, SD

Clark Hamlin: Chance Popham, Hayti • 605-783-3285 • spopham88@gmail.com Dakota Southern: Keith Dvoracek, Tabor • 605-661-4981 • kdvorace@hcinet.net

Davison-Hanson: Calli Williams, Letcher • 605-695-1990 • callicwilliams@gmail.com East Central: Andy Dupraz, White • 605-629-3859 • pvostad@gmail.com

Kingsbury: Nick Wilkinson, Lake Preston• 605-203-0711 • wilkinsonn77@gmail.com

McCook-Miner-Lake: John Morse, Madison • 605-256-9863 •

jrmorse9863@gmail.com

Northeast: Nancy Johnson, Milbank • 605-432-5600 • mnjohn@tnics.com North Central: Bryan Gill, Timber Lake • 701-730-0134 • bigredgenetics@hotmail.com

Northern Oahe: Jay Jones, Trail City • 605-845-3082 • jones@westriv.com

Sioux Basin: Carl Johnson, Dell Rapids • 605-651-5064 • cjohnsonfarm@outlook.com South Central: Kent Geppert, Kimball • 605-778-6227 • geppert@midstatesd.net

Upcoming Events: •

January 13, 2024 | South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Basketball Showdown

•

March 2, 2024 | Black Hill State University Basketball Showdown

West Central: Matt Jones, Midland • 605-843-2066 • ropeonthecorner@yahoo.com

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Winter 2024

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