For immediate release: 

Sept. 24, 2022

For more information, contact:

Jason Leiseth, NDSA president: (701) 586-3714 • jpleiseth@gmail.com

Julie Ellingson, NDSA executive vice president: (701) 223-2522 • jellingson@ndstockmen.org

Elizabeth Neshem, NDSA communications director: (701) 223-2522 • eneshem@ndstockmen.org

Alsager, Brown named honorary local brand inspectors

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) recognized two long-time local brand inspectors, Darryl Alsager of Walcott, N.D., and Rodney Brown of Beach, N.D., with the NDSA’s Honorary Local Brand Inspector Awards at a special awards banquet during its annual convention in Bismarck, N.D., tonight. The men have been providing inspection services to livestock producers since 1978.

Darryl Alsager

Alsager has lived and ranched near Walcott his entire life. He graduated from Kindred High School in 1971 and attended the North Dakota State College of Science for one year before joining the Air Force. Following his training, Alsager returned as the third generation to his family’s commercial cattle operation, where they raised and finished cattle.

“I have always enjoyed horses, cattle and the ranching environment,” said Alsager. “After returning to the ranch, I was given the opportunity to provide brand inspection services for our area.” With a good work ethic and a commitment to the community, he has been serving area producers for many years. 

“You need a return address on an envelope you mail, just as you need a brand on your cattle in the occasion it needs to make its way home,” he said. 

Alsager and his wife Jorgene have two children, Josh (Liz) and Carly (Darin) Peters, and five grandchildren. 

Rodney Brown

Brown grew up on a ranch north of Beach. He graduated from Beach High School in 1969 and joined the Marine Corps. After three years, he returned to western North Dakota. In 1974, he married his wife Diane and went to work for a rancher near Grassy Butte, N.D. Later, he returned to his home ranch near Sentinel Butte on the edge of the Badlands, where he raised black, black baldy, Charolais-cross and Hereford cattle over the years. He retired from ranching in 2021 and now leases out his land. 

“I got my start brand inspecting because there was a need in the area,” said Brown. “I always did my best to try to identify brands and return cattle to their rightful owners.”

Brown and his wife Diane have three children, Aaron (Missy), Nathan and Amy (Ryan) Vojacek and four grandchildren. 

“Darryl and Rodney are great long-time local brand inspectors,” said NDSA Chief Brand Inspector Corby Ward. “They are thorough, friendly and always do the right thing.”

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