Awards

Awards

South Dakota Cattlemen's Association 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

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.

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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.

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