The Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association held their annual convention and beef industry trade show at Jackpot Junction Convention Center on December 2-4.

The new MSCA leadership team includes: President Don Schiefelbein of Kimball; President-Elect Dar Geiss of Pierz; Vice President Tim Nolte of Sebeka; Feeder Council Chairman Krist Wollum of Porter; Cow-Calf/Stocker Council Chairman Chad Zehnder of Stanchfield; and, Past President Ted Reichmann of Villard. New regional directors joining the leadership team include: Robby Rinkenberger of Morris; Darvy Keehr of Little Falls; Jed Watje of Clements; John Olson of Trimont; and Carl Sackreiter of Rochester.

"We have a dynamic new leadership team, which includes a number of younger cattlemen, and I'm looking forward to working with them as we grow our organization, address important issues facing our cattle industry and develop new member benefits," said MSCA President Don Schiefelbein.

Awards Presented:

The Cattleman of the Year award was presented to Tom Pyfferoen of Pine Island.

"Tom has dedicated a tremendous amount of time and effort to the organization and Minnesota's cattle sector," said Schiefelbein. "He has served in many leadership roles over the years, including president of the organization during the most difficult years when bovine tuberculosis was being addressed in the state."

The Beef Industry Service Award was presented to Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson.

"We want to extend our thanks and sincere appreciation for Commissioner Hugoson's years of service to Minnesota's agricultural sector," said President Don Schiefelbein. "We are especially appreciative of the Commissioner's leadership in collaborating with the Governor's office and other state agencies to address bovine tuberculosis."

Carol Hoge of Aitkin was awarded the Cattlewoman of the Year recognition and Lindsey Beckendorf of Nicollet was the recipient of the Dennis Bottem Scholarship.

Source: MSCA