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

Manske, Rorvig recognized as Stockmen’s Association honorary members

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) recognized long-time association members Dr. Llewellyn (Lee) Manske of Dickinson, N.D., and Dan Rorvig of McVille, N.D., with Honorary Membership Awards at a special awards banquet during its annual convention in Bismarck, N.D., tonight.

Manske has supported the NDSA for many years. The 39-year member made the decision to become part of the NDSA after he accepted his first professional job. He had previously worked for Joe Milton, a past NDSA president. In his role as “cowboy” for Milton on his ranch near McLeod, Manske learned to appreciate the land, as well as the organization which he didn’t forget on his long journey to where he is today.

Manske holds bachelor’s degrees in electronics, psychology and biology and a doctorate degree in range management. Today, Manske is a ranch scientist at the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Dickinson Research Extension Center.

His first research project brought him to the Sheyenne National Grasslands, where he evaluated the effects of 36 grazing systems on the grassland vegetation and the resident prairie chicken population. He has worked on many projects since, but there is one project that stands out above all. “I am most proud of the development of the twice-over grazing system,” said Manske. “It makes grasslands ecosystems function at a biological potential and livestock weight performances at a genetic potential.”

“The best advice I can offer cattle producers is always listen to science,” said Manske. “It will take time to get the answers, but the answers will always be correct.”

Manske appreciates that every day is new and exciting in his job and there is always something new to learn. Manske is also grateful he is able to help producers and the land.

Manske has one adult daughter, Laisha, who works in the microbiology laboratory at the University of Minnesota Hospital in St. Paul, Minn.

McVille rancher and NDSA President Dan Rorvig has been an NDSA member for 32 years. “Being a member is something my family always found value in,” said Rorvig. “Being an NDSA member can be considered a legacy.”

Rorvig earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from NDSU in 1985. He spent 30 years as a Main Street banker in rural North Dakota, first in Robinson, then back home in McVille, where he worked in town at the ank and on his family’s ranch.

Today, he manages a commercial cow-calf operation, backgrounds yearlings and develops bred heifers near the Sheyenne River.

Rorvig believes everyone has a responsibility to give back to their profession, whatever it may be. “It has been an honor to serve as president of an organization that has a long and respected relationship with both state and national lawmakers,” said Rorvig. “The NDSA makes a difference in the cattle industry and makes our grassroots members’ voices heard.

Rorvig previously served on the NDSA Board of Directors as a District 1 director, the NDSA Budget Committee and the NDSA Ag Policy Committee as its chairman. He has hosted Spring Roundups, attended the All Breeds Cattle Tour, Beyond the Bunk Workshop, Tomorrow’s Top Hands Beef Leadership Summit, Feedlot Tour, Military Appreciation Day and the annual convention. He is currently serving as the vice president of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation.

Rorvig is also a member of the Nelson County Zoning Commission, the McVille Lutheran Church Council and the Independent Community Bankers Education Committee. He is also a past chairman of the North Dakota Bankers Association’s Agriculture Committee.

Rorvig and his wife Teresa have two children – son Scott and daughter Amy, who is married to Taryl Smith and has a son, Kade.

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