North Dakota Stockmen’s Association members will set the organization’s direction, celebrate achievements, learn from industry experts and select new leaders during the 97th Annual Convention & Trade Show, “Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” Sept. 24-26 at the Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center in Bismarck, N.D.
Held on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday this year, the event will feature an educational workshop, informational speakers, policy-development sessions, business, networking and fun.
Here’s a preview of the schedule:
Thursday, Sept. 24
The convention begins Thursday at 8:30 a.m. with the 18-Hole Golf Scramble and Hole-in-One Contest at Tom O’Leary Golf Course in Bismarck. Golfers can enter by contacting Scott Ressler, the Golf Scramble chairman, at (701) 223-2522 or sressler@ndstockmen.org.
The NDSA Board of Directors will gather for its quarterly meeting at the Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center, the convention headquarters, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Registration will also open at 9:30 a.m. and continue through 5 p.m.
The opening business session will follow at 1:30 p.m. Attendees will hear from NDSA President Randy Schmitt, NDSA Executive Vice President Julie Ellingson and North Dakota CattleWomen President Carol Peterson.
In addition to these presentations, nominating committee reports and the Candidates’ Forum, the session will include an address from National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Gene Copenhaver, a fifth-generation Virginia cattleman. Copenhaver will review national issues affecting cattle producers’ bottomlines.
Following the opening business session, attendees will enjoy a social and the opening of the NDSA Trade Show, which will feature nearly 50 allied industry vendors. The Trade Show will run through Saturday.
Supper will include the presentation of the golf awards and “Riding for the Brand” recognitions. Attendees will be invited back to the Trade Show at 8 p.m. to visit with industry professionals and fellow cattle producers.
Friday, Sept. 25
The NDSA Trade Show will reopen Friday at 8 a.m., along with the “nuts and bolts” of the convention — the policy committee meetings.
In a new format this year, the NDSA will offer two policy committee meetings at a time instead of three, giving members additional opportunities to participate in more of the discussions.
Members will discuss and debate policy issues and hear from industry experts on school land leases, New World screwworm prevention, veterinary diagnostic laboratory submissions, food-animal veterinarian shortages, the brand renewal grace period, electronic brand inspection, the odor footprint tool, meat-processing opportunities and producer considerations, Alpha-gal syndrome and more.
Following lunch, John Arnold, North Dakota Insurance and Securities Department deputy insurance commissioner; Angie Johnson, North Dakota State University Extension farm and ranch safety specialist, and fellow Extension team members; and John Lockie, U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency specialist, will headline the Cattlemen’s Education Series program sponsored by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and National Corn Growers Association.
The speakers will tackle risk from different angles and share strategies to help cattle producers protect their people, property and livelihoods. Lockie will highlight recent updates to Livestock Risk Protection insurance; Arnold will discuss health coverage options and insurance best-management practices for farm and ranch families; and Johnson and her Extension colleagues will provide potentially lifesaving training for responding to severe bleeding injuries.
After the workshop, the NDSA will host a social and supper, followed by an evening of laughs with Mark Mayfield, a farm-raised comedian and speaker. Convention-goers are invited to celebrate “Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow” by dressing as a “Rancher Through the Years.” Attendees can choose their favorite era and offer a creative take on the rancher of yesterday, today or tomorrow for added fun and prizes
Saturday, Sept. 26
Activities will resume Saturday at 8 a.m. with a lineup of speakers addressing cattle markets, business planning and agricultural security.
Brett Stuart, owner of Global AgriTrends, will bring a worldwide perspective to the cattle industry based on his research of meat and livestock markets across six continents. He will explore the supply-and-demand trends driving record-high cattle prices, indicators of herd expansion and how today’s cattle cycle compares with those of the past. Stuart will also offer price forecasts and insight into the global factors influencing the beef industry.
Shelby Bothun, attorney and owner of Ag Legacy Law, PLLC, will address three things that can devastate an agricultural operation — death, taxes and liability — and explain how the right business structure can help. Attendees will learn about the differences among business entities, why one structure may fit an operation better than another and what producers should consider when selecting an entity for their farm or ranch.
Federal Bureau of Investigation Supervisory Intelligence Analyst Wade Greening will then explore the growing security threats facing U.S. agriculture. Using real-world examples, he will explain how cyberattacks, scams and threats involving financial information and technology can affect cattle producers and agricultural businesses.
The North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation Luncheon will begin at 12:15 p.m. The Foundation will recognize scholarship recipients, convention interns and other supporters. Attendees will also hear from North Dakota Beef Commission Chairman Brian Amundson and Ryan Taylor, who will share “The Ups and Downs of Cowboy Logic,” a light-hearted and uplifting message drawn from the real-life lessons of North Dakota ranching.
Business will resume at 1:30 p.m. during the closing session. Policy committee chairmen will present their reports, and members will discuss and vote on policy. Members will also select the officers and directors who will lead the organization during the 2026-2027 year.
Membership recruitment prizes will be awarded that afternoon. New members and those who recruited new members are eligible for the Bull Bucks drawing, valued at $2,800. The winner must be present to win.
A banquet social will begin at 6 p.m., with the annual banquet following at 7 p.m. The banquet will include recognition of longtime employees and the recipients of the Honorary Local Brand Inspector, Honorary Membership, Rancher of the Year, Environmental Stewardship and Top Hand Awards.
Justin McKee will headline the banquet with stories, humor, faith and hard-earned lessons from the ranch and rodeo arena. A rancher, former rodeo contestant and national television host with The Cowboy Channel, McKee will deliver a message about the essential role of rural America and encourage farmers and ranchers to stand a little taller and recognize the value of their calling.
Full, one-day and student registrations are available in advance or on site. Registration information and forms are available at www.ndstockmen.org.
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center. To make a reservation, call (701) 258-7700 and mention the NDSA to receive the discounted rate of $119 plus tax.
NDSA news release
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