Three North Dakota Stockmen’s Association’s (NDSA) leaders’ terms ended following the NDSA’s 94th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Watford City N.D., this past weekend.
NDSA District 3 Director Tim Erbele of Streeter, N.D., is the first of the retirees. He had completed two terms and was no longer eligible for re-election. Erbele is a 33-year NDSA member and served as the Animal Health Committee chairman. He hosted two Spring Roundups, the Beef Industry Military Appreciation Day and the Healthcare Heroes Appreciation Day. In addition, he participated in the Feedlot Tour and Giving Hearts Day and served on the NDSA Nominating, Building, Budget and Property Rights Committees. Erbele runs a diversified crop and livestock operation. He owns a Salers-Angus-cross cow-calf operation and operates a 1,200-head permitted feedlot. He is also a Purina feed dealer. Erbele and his wife Ronda have two daughters, Miranda (Andy) Hagen and Addyson.
NDSA District 4 Director Joel Opp of Richardton, N.D., had completed a four-year term and two special terms. Opp is a 15-year NDSA member. He has served as the Ag Policy Committee vice chairman, attended the Young Cattlemen’s Legislative Conference, hosted the All Breeds Cattle Tour and Feedlot Tour, planned two Spring Roundups and assisted with the Beef Industry Military Appreciation Day. For many years, Opp and his father David operated a registered Angus seedstock operation, which had been started by David’s dad in 1951, before Opp transitioned to a commercial Angus-cross herd in 2022. Opp and his wife Jamie have three children, Natalie (Dave) Ballon, Jamison and Wyatt, and one granddaughter, Thea.
NDSA District 5 Director Pete Best of Watford City had completed two terms and was no longer eligible for re-election. Best is a 28-year NDSA member. He served as vice chairman of the Resolutions Committee, on the NDSA Feeder Council and Nominating Committee, participated in the All Breeds Cattle Tour and Young Cattlemen’s Legislative Conference and hosted a Spring Roundup. Best manages a registered Angus and Quarter Horse operation with his wife Vawnita and their son Kyle.
“Each of these leaders has made important contributions to our association and industry through their service,” said NDSA President Jason Leiseth of Arnegard, N.D. “I’ve enjoyed serving alongside them over the years and am looking forward to their continued involvement. I am proud to call them my friends.”
