Gjermundsons named NDSA Rancher of the Year

Posted 09/26/2026

For immediate release: Sept. 26, 2026

For more information, contact:

Tim Erbele, NDSA president: (701) 269-3045 • [email protected]

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

Elizabeth Hasenwinkel, NDSA communications director: (701) 833-1162 • [email protected]

Gjermundsons named North Dakota Stockmen's Association Rancher of the Year

The North Dakota Stockmen's Association (NDSA) presented Brad and Jackie Gjermundson of Marshall, N.D., with its 2026 Ranchers of the Year Award during the organization's 97th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Bismarck, N.D., Sept. 26.

The Gjermundsons, 33-year NDSA members, own and operate a commercial cow-calf operation along the Knife River in Dunn County. They raise Angus-cross cattle on a mix of owned and rented acres.

For Brad and Jackie, ranch ownership was a shared dream from an early age. Both grew up around cattle and spent time helping neighboring ranchers before meeting as members of the rodeo team at Dickinson State College, now Dickinson State University. The couple married in 1984 and purchased their ranch, cattle and equipment from Gilman and Vivian Knutson in 1987. They have continued building the operation near Marshall ever since.

Over nearly four decades, the Gjermundsons have navigated drought, floods, harsh winters and springs and fluctuating cattle prices. Their approach has been grounded in careful management and a willingness to prepare for the unexpected. "Be conservative and prepare for unexpected challenges," Brad said. "Don't try to keep up with the Joneses."

Family remains at the center of the operation. Brad and Jackie have three children, Kane, Hali and Jori, and six grandchildren. Kane, his wife, Justene, and their children, Hollynn and Jet, live and work on the ranch. "We couldn't do it without his hard work and dedication to everything on our ranch," Brad said of Kane.

"Our greatest accomplishment in life would be our wonderful children and getting to raise them on the ranch," Jackie added. "We are so proud of them and our grandchildren. They are the love of our lives."

Brad was a four-time world champion saddle bronc rider and nine-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier. He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1995 and the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2009. After nearly 20 years of professional rodeo competition, he stepped away from the rodeo trail as his family and ranching responsibilities grew.

Brad and Jackie have also contributed time to their church, community and livestock industry. Brad has served on the Marshall Lutheran Church Council and the Home on the Range Board of Directors. He and Jackie also support Home on the Range's annual Champions Ride Saddle Bronc Match.

Brad has also worked as a sales manager for Orwig's Livestock Supplement for 26 years and a sales representative for 44 Farms and Prime Pursuits for the past seven years, roles that have kept him closely connected with cattle producers and the broader beef industry.

The Gjermundsons have maintained their NDSA membership because of their belief in cattle producers working together to strengthen the industry. "It's important to help promote and grow the livestock industry," Brad said.

"Brad and Jackie Gjermundson exemplify the hard work, perseverance and commitment to family that define North Dakota's ranching community," said NDSA Immediate Past President Randy Schmitt, a Rugby, N.D., cow-calf producer. "Their achievements in building a successful ranch, raising quality cattle and preparing the next generation to carry on their legacy are worthy of recognition.

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