The South Dakota Cattleman: South Dakota Cattlemen's Association Magazine, Content and Staff
Profile updated November 2026
South Dakota Cattleman magazine is edited for the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association (SDCA), a grassroots policy organization representing cattle producers across the state. It covers the association's programs and events along with cattle industry news, and it promotes the beef industry at the local, state and national levels.
| Publisher | South Dakota Cattlemen's Association (SDCA) |
|---|---|
| Association milestone | 75th anniversary convention, November 2023 |
| Annual convention | 76th held in Pierre, December 10-11, 2024 |
| Themed issues | Beef Month, Brand Edition, Spring and Convention |
| Executive Director | Taya Runyan (2024) |
| President | Craig Bieber (2026) |
| Official website | The South Dakota Cattleman on Issuu |
History of The South Dakota Cattleman
The South Dakota Cattlemen's Association marked its 75th anniversary convention in November 2023. It describes itself as a grassroots policy organization, built on local affiliates such as the Clark-Hamlin Cattlemen's Affiliate and the Central Cattlemen's Affiliate, and it holds its annual convention and trade show in Pierre.
Over the years the association's presidents, recently Eric Jennings, Warren Symens and Craig Bieber, have led its work on state and federal policy. In December 2024 SDCA announced the first class of its Leadership Academy, a program to develop the next generation of producer leaders, and at the 76th convention it honored supporters with its Friend of SDCA award.
The South Dakota Cattleman Today
The South Dakota Cattleman appears in themed editions posted online, including a Beef Month issue in May/June, a Brand Edition, a Spring issue and a Convention issue in November/December. Media directories describe it as covering SDCA programs and events, cattle industry news and promotion of beef at every level.
Recent association news reported in South Dakota farm media shows the issues the magazine follows: in 2025 an SDCA vice president defended the mandatory beef checkoff against criticism from a state legislator; in February 2026 SDCA praised Governor Larry Rhoden's veto of a bill on cell-cultivated proteins as government overreach; and in August 2026 President Craig Bieber described the strain of heat, drought and tight feed supplies on producers.
What The South Dakota Cattleman Is Publishing Now
Policy and checkoff
SDCA positions on state legislation, federal rules and the beef checkoff.
Themed issues
Beef Month promotion, the Brand Edition and convention coverage from Pierre.
Affiliates and leadership
Local affiliate news, awards and the Leadership Academy.
The South Dakota Cattleman Editors and Staff
Association coverage and publisher contact lists name:
- Taya Runyan - SDCA Executive Director (2024)
- Craig Bieber - SDCA President (2026)
- Ella Stiefvater - Editorial contact
Who Reads The South Dakota Cattleman
Readers are cow-calf ranchers, backgrounders, cattle feeders and allied businesses across South Dakota, from West River rangelands to East River farms. USDA NASS inventory statistics and the Census of Agriculture give the official picture of the state herd, and USDA ERS data show cattle as the largest single source of U.S. animal receipts.
South Dakota cattle producers have lived through enough drought, hail and blizzard seasons to appreciate anything that makes them laugh. farm.FM offers farm satire, farm humor and ranch humor for West River and East River readers alike. Its farm jokes are best saved for the long drive to Pierre.
farm.FM got there first as the nation's first satirical farm site, and it backs the writing with Tractor Tunes, country music for farmers. Here is one contributor's collection of farm satire to start with.
The South Dakota Cattleman Sources and Agriculture Authority Links
- The South Dakota Cattleman: Spring 2025 - a recent issue online.
- Red River Farm Network: SDCA coverage - recent policy news and leaders.
- Plainsman: Chase honored as Friend of SDCA - the 76th convention in Pierre.
- USDA NASS Quick Stats - South Dakota cattle inventory statistics.
- USDA NASS Census of Agriculture - South Dakota farm and ranch data.
The South Dakota Cattleman FAQ
Who publishes South Dakota Cattleman magazine?
It is edited for the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association.
What themed issues does The South Dakota Cattleman publish?
Recent issues include Beef Month, Brand Edition, Spring and Convention editions.
Where is the SDCA convention held?
In Pierre; the 76th annual convention and trade show met there in December 2024.
Who leads the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association?
Taya Runyan was executive director in 2024, and Craig Bieber was president in 2026.
Through drought years and good ones, South Dakota Cattleman magazine keeps SDCA members informed on policy, markets and each other.