Awards
SDCA Cattleman of the Year
The Cattleman of the Year award recognizes a member of SDCA who is active in SDCA or their affiliate and demonstrates leadership within the beef industry.
Guidelines for Nomination:
Any member can nominate.
Nominee must be a current member of SDCA and should be active in the local affiliate and/or SDCA.
The Cattleman or woman of the year is chosen prior to the SDCA's Convention.
Friend of SDCA Award
The Friend of the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association Award honors individuals who go above and beyond in supporting cattle producers and advocating for agriculture across our state.
Guidelines for Nomination:
Any SDCA member can nominate.
Nominee must be an advocate for agriculture, locally or statewide. This award is for an agribusiness, legislator, or media personality that positively promotes agriculture, SDCA, and/or their local affiliate.
The Friend of SDCA award is chosen prior to the SDCA's Convention.
Myron Williams Leadership Award
Each year, a graduate of the Cattlemen's Leadership Academy is awarded the Myron Williams Leadership Award. Myron was a tireless advocate for the cattle industry whose leadership and dedication left an immeasurable impact. The award recipient joins SDCA leadership and staff on a trip to Washington, D.C. to hear from NCBA Policy staff and participate in meetings with federal agencies and the South Dakota congressional delegation on Capitol Hill. Recipients of this award are tapped to put their leadership and advocacy skills to work to positively impact the cattle industry - just as Myron so passionately did.
Guidelines for Nomination:
Cattlemen's Leadership Academy participants apply for this award at the end of the academy year.
Nominee must be an advocate for agriculture, locally or statewide.
The Myron WIlliams Leadership Award winner is chosen prior to the SDCA's Convention by the Williams family.
Past Award Winners
2025
Cattleman of the Year
Eric Jennings
2025
Friend of SDCA
Drew Peterson
2025
Myron Williams Leadership Award
Colin Geppert
Cattleman of the Year Award Winners
2024 | Chance Popham
2023 | Bill Slovek
2022 | Scott Slepikas
2019 | Todd Wilkinson
2016 | Rodney VanDerVliet
2015 | Todd Mortenson
2010 | Eric Jennings
2004 | Myron Williams
Friend of SDCA Award Winners
2024 | Roger Chase
2023 | Bridgette Readel
2022 | Dr. Warren Rusche
2016 | Ryan Eichler
2015 | Tim & Chandy Olson
2010 | Leo Jensen
Conservation Awards
Environmental Stewardship Awards Program
The Environmental Stewardship Awards Program (ESAP) annually recognizes outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of U.S. cattle producers from across the nation. Regional and national award winners have been commended for their commitment to protecting the environment and improving fish and wildlife habitats while operating profitable cattle operations. The common trait among all winners is the desire to leave the land in better shape for future generations while also inspiring the next generation of land stewards.
While the program highlights stewardship, it also provides fellow cattle producers with examples and ideas which may be useful on their own farm and ranching operations.
South Dakota ESAP Winners
Environmental Stewardship Award
2022 Region VII
Jorgensen Land & Cattle Partnership
Ideal, South Dakota
2022 Region VII Jorgensen Land & Cattle Partnership
2021 Region VII Blair Brothers Angus Ranch
2020 Region VII Johnson Farms, Frankfort, SD
2018 Region VII Moes Feedlot LLC -John & Donita Moes , Watertown SD
2015 Region VII Kopriva Angu s- Jim & Karen Kopriva; Lee Kopriva; Angela Kopriv Raymond SD
2014 Region VII Rock Hills Ranch- Lyle & Garnet Perman; Luke & Naomi Perman, Lowry SD
2012 Region VII Slovek Ranch, Bill Slovek - Philip SD
2011 Region VII Center of the Nation Cattle Company- Jeff & Kim Smeenk, Newell SD
2009 Region VII Daybreak Ranch- Jim Faulstich, Highmore SD
2001 Region VII Nagel Feedlots-John M Nagel, Owner-Springfield SD
2000 Region VII Cammack Ranch Supply-Gary Cammack, Union Center SD
Leopold Conservation Award
The Leopold Conservation Awards recognize landowners actively committed to a land ethic. Working with prominent state conservation partners, Sand County Foundation presents the award, which consists of $10,000 and a Leopold crystal, in settings that showcase the landowners’ achievements among their peers.
