History of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association

The story of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association began on February 9, 1948, when livestock feeder, Luverne Nelson, met with the Yankton County Agent after a cattle sale at Anderson Livestock. Concerned about a sudden $5 drop in cattle prices over just three weeks, Luverne saw the need for a united voice to represent local cattle producers and bring their challenges to the attention of South Dakota’s congressional leaders and the public.

Two days later, he gathered ten producers to discuss the growing issues facing the cattle industry. After hours of conversation that stretched into the early morning, the group agreed to form a new organization. Temporary officers were selected, and Luverne Nelson became the group’s first president.

One of their first challenges was funding. To cover the cost of letters and telegrams to Washington, D.C., the group passed a hat. Within minutes, more than $100 was collected, officially establishing the Yankton County Livestock Feeders and Growers Association. A public meeting was scheduled for February 17, 1948, in the Yankton County Courtroom.

That meeting exceeded every expectation. More than 600 people attended from Clay, Union, Bon Homme, Yankton, and Knox (Nebraska) Counties. The strong attendance was clear proof of how much the organization was needed. Following this impressive turnout, each participating county formed its own local association.

In the years that followed, these county organizations recognized the value of speaking with one strong, unified voice. Their collaboration led to the creation of a statewide group known simply as “The State Livestock Feeders Association” on June 23, 1950. The state association set the foundation for the organization that would grow into the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association.

Past Presidents of the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association

The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association has been shaped and strengthened by the remarkable individuals who have served as presidents throughout the decades. These individuals were more than officers, they were pioneers, visionaries, and steadfast advocates for South Dakota’s cattle industry. Their leadership guided the organization through times of change, challenge, and opportunity, laying the foundation for the strong, unified voice our members rely on today. We honor these past presidents for their dedication, their courage to lead, and their enduring commitment to the cattle producers of South Dakota.

2026-Present | Craig Bieber, Leola

2024-2025 | Warren Symens, Amherst

2020-2023 | Eric Jennings, Spearfish

2019 | Steve Ollerich, Dell Rapids

2017-2018 | Larry Stomprud, Mud Butte

2015-2016 | Todd Wilkinson, De Smet

2013-2014 | Cory Eich, Canova

2012 | Jeff Smeenk, Newell

2011 | Bill Slovek, Phillip

2010 | Bryan Nagel, Avon

2009 | Todd Mortenson, Hayes

2007–2008 | Scott Jones, Midland

2005-2006 | Mike Stahly, Cavour

2003-2004 | Brian Brockel, Selby

2001-2002 | Merrill Karlen, Oacoma

1999-2000 | Cal Sandmeier, Bowdle

1998 | E. John Bruner, Winfred

1996-1997 | John Haverhals, Hudson

1994-1995 | John Nagel, Springfield

1992-1993 | John Stiefvater, Salem

1990-1991 | Don Jacobs, Sioux Falls

1988-1989 | Doyle Olsen, Sioux Falls

1986-1987 | Rodney Foster, Brookings

1984-1985 | Bill Daniel

1982-1983 | Louie Bartels, Gettysberg

1980-1981 | Ordell Rogen, Sherman

1978-1979 | John Ludens, Davis

1976-1977 | Robert Woldt, Brookings

1975 | Wally Thiel, Aberdeen

1973-1974 | Paul Rooney, Sioux Falls

1971-1972 | Roger Anderson, Hurley

1969-1970 | Arnold Klemme, Akron (IA)

1967-1968 | Gene Svarstad, Irene

1965-1966 | Don Hunter, Centerville

1963-1964 | Dick Landsman, Centerville

1961-1962 | Harold Nelson, Yankton

1958-1960 | Harold Blair, Vermillion

1956-1957 | Jack Litzelman, Vermillion

1954-1955 | Luverne Nelson, Yankton

1952-1953 | Les Zeller, Vermillion

1950-1951 | Don Beaty, Vermillion

Past Presidents of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association

Over the years, three members of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association have gone on to serve as presidents of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. Their elections reflected the respect and credibility South Dakota cattle producers hold within the broader industry. Each brought firsthand experience from the state’s cattle sector to the national level, contributing to the direction and development of policy, membership, and industry priorities during their respective terms. Their service stands as a notable chapter in SDCA’s history and highlights the state’s long-standing involvement in national cattle leadership.

Todd Wilkinson, De Smet

2023

Donald Hunter, Centerville

1975-1976

John Litzelman, Vermillion

1958-1960

Branding Through History

SDLA Logo | 1968 -1988

SDCA Logo | 1988-1995

SDCA Logo | 1995-2022

SDCA Logo | 2022 - Present