North Dakota Stockmen’s Association employees honored for long-time industry service

Posted 09/27/2025

For immediate release:

Sept. 26, 2025

For more information, contact:
Randy Schmitt, NDSA president: (701) 537-3440 • [email protected]

Julie Schaff Ellingson, NDSA executive vice president: (701) 223-2522 • [email protected]

North Dakota Stockmen's Association employees

honored for long-time industry service

The North Dakota Stockmen's Association (NDSA) saluted four long-time employees for their service to the state's livestock industry at a special awards ceremony during the organization's 96th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Minot, N.D., tonight.

Corby Ward of Bismarck, N.D., was recognized for five years of service. Ward joined the NDSA's brand inspection team in 2019, beginning his work as a brand inspector at Kist Livestock Auction in Mandan, N.D., before working a stint as a deputy brand inspector and then the chief brand inspector, his current role. The Springdale, Mont., native lived for a time in Moorcroft, Wyo., before moving to North Dakota. He has ridden, ranched and cowboyed across the three states. Today, he oversees the NDSA's brand inspection program and is a licensed peace officer/investigator for the organization. Ward is married to Alison, has three sons, Trey (Anabelle), Henry (Sadie) and Carter, and is expecting a grandchild in November.

Kenton Pulkrabek of Mandan, N.D., was honored for 10 years of service to the NDSA as a full-time brand inspector. He is currently working as an inspector at Kist Livestock Auction. Previously, he also was the inspector in charge at Bismarck Livestock Auction. Pulkrabek and his wife Karen live on a farm west of Mandan. They have four children, Terra, Tori (Jacob DeCloedt) and the late Tyrell and Tiffany. They also have four grandchildren, Cooper, Zander, Zayn and Zoey.

Mike Schwab of Linton, N.D., was recognized for 20 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, N.D., and Herreid, S.D., markets. Schwab later took over as the inspector in charge at Herreid, his current role. Schwab and his wife Vicki own and operate the family ranch where he was raised. They also have two children, Josi and Wyatt.

Julie Ellingson of St. Anthony, N.D., was honored for 30 years of service. She joined the NDSA team in 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. Ellingson, her husband Chad and their family are fourth-, fifth- and sixth-generation Angus breeders. Her family includes five children, Stetson (Brynn), Jameson, Sierra (Keenan Pierce), Medora and Sheridan, and three grandsons, Elias, Benson and Rowan.

"North Dakota's livestock producers are fortunate to have such a hardworking and dedicated team working on their behalf," said Randy Schmitt, the organization's president and a Rugby, N.D., cow-calf producer. "Their work is more than a job to them; it's a vocation, and their commitment to the cattle industry and the objectives of the organization is evident."

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