Posted 10/10/2020

For immediate release: Oct. 10, 2020

For more information, contact:

Jeff Schafer, NDSA president: (701) 653-5690 • schafer@gondtc.com

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

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

Four Stockmen’s Association employees recognized for dedicated service

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) recognized four employees for their long-time service to the state’s livestock industry during a special awards ceremony at the NDSA’s 91^st Annual Convention & Trade Show in Bismarck, N.D., this evening.

Steve Bay of Carson, N.D., was recognized for five years of service to the NDSA as a deputy brand inspector. He is one of four members of the NDSA’s law enforcement team. In his role, Bay works with local brand inspectors, law enforcement and producers to enforce brand laws and investigate brand issues. Before joining the NDSA, Bay worked for 32 years as a Grand County sheriff, retiring in 2014. He later joined the NDSA staff at Kist Livestock Auction in Mandan, N.D., before becoming a deputy. Bay and his wife Jane have three married daughters, Josie Hornbacher, Shelly Nehl and Lisa Redmann, and nine grandchildren. They continue to raise horses and cattle on their ranch near Carson.

Kenton Pulkrabek of Mandan, N.D., was also honored for five years of service to the NDSA as a full-time brand inspector. He is currently working as an inspector at Kist Livestock Auction, as well as the inspector in charge at Bismarck Livestock Auction. Kenton and his wife Karen live on a farm west of Mandan. They have four children, Terra, Tori DeCloedt and the late Tyrell and Tiffany, and four grandchildren.

Mike Schwab of Linton, N.D., was also recognized for 15 years of service to the NDSA as a brand inspector. He started his work as the inspector in charge of Linton Livestock and an inspector at the Napoleon and Herreid, S.D., markets. Schwab later took over as the inspector in charge at Herreid and continues to work there and at Napoleon. Schwab and his wife Vicki own and operate the family ranch where he was raised. They have two children, Josi and Wyatt. 

Julie Ellingson of St. Anthony, N.D., was honored for a quarter-century of service to the NDSA. She joined the NDSA team in the Fall 1995 as its communications director. During her tenure in that position, she won several state and national communication awards. In 2009, she was tapped as the NDSA executive vice president and, today, serves as the organization’s chief lobbyist, spokesperson and administrator in that role. Ellingson, her husband Chad and their children, Stetson, Jameson, Sierra, Medora and Sheridan, raise registered Angus cattle on their ranch near St. Anthony. 

“The NDSA has a fantastic staff dedicated to the organization and the industry,” said NDSA President Jeff Schafer, a New Rockford, N.D., rancher. “We are grateful for everything they do 365 days a year.”

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