The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association (SDCA) presented the Cattlemen of the Year, Friend of SDCA, and the Myron Williams Leadership awards at the 77th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Deadwood this week (Dec. 2-3, 2025).
The Cattleman of the Year award recognizes a member of SDCA who is active in SDCA or their affiliate and demonstrates leadership within the beef industry. Eric Jennings of Spearfish was awarded the 2025 Cattlemen of the Year award.
“During his four terms as SDCA president, Eric led the association through a reorganization of the board of directors, championed new programs, supported growth, and mentored countless leaders along the way. Even as he moved into the role of past president, he remained a steady voice, an engaged leader, and a strong advocate for the industry,” said Craig Bieber, SDCA President. “We are proud to recognize Eric as the 2025 Cattleman of the Year.”
The Friend of SDCA recognizes an advocate for agriculture that may be a business, organization, media personality, legislator, or industry leader that has promoted agriculture, SDCA, or local Cattlemen’s affiliates. Drew Peterson of Salem was awarded the 2025 Friend of SDCA award.
“Drew is an active member of SDCA’s Southeast Region and a strong advocate for ag producers in his community,” said Bieber. “He represents District 19 in the South Dakota House of Representatives, serving on the House Agricultural and Natural Resources Committee. His leadership and influence, both in committee and among his peers, have contributed to many positive outcomes in the legislature and wins for agriculture and the cattle industry across the state. We’re proud to have Drew as a strong voice for South Dakota’s cattle producers.”
New this year, the Myron Williams Leadership Award honors the legacy of leadership, mentorship, and advocacy that exemplified the late Myron Williams of Wall, SD. Selected from the Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy class, the award recipient will join the SDCA leadership team at their annual Washington D.C. fly-in. Colin Geppert of Kimball is the inaugural recipient of the Myron Williams Leadership Award.
Myron’s family participated in the selection of the award recipient and reviewed each essay submitted by the applicants. “It was incredibly difficult to choose among the submissions,” said Misty Williams Maddox, Myron’s daughter. “What impressed us most about Colin was how his experience with the leadership academy and working with SDCA has led him to not only get involved but make leadership a priority in his community.” Myron’s wife Mary Williams reflected on all the submissions and what the award has meant for their family, “He would have been proud.”
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