The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association presented the Crighton Ranch of McKenzie County with its 2025 Rancher of the Year Award on Friday, Sept. 26, during the annual banquet at the organization’s 96th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Minot

David Lee and Nancy Crighton and their daughter, Nikki Winter, run the cow-calf operation. The Crightons are 40-year NDSA members.

The Crightons live along the Little Missouri River in Hay Draw, where the terrain includes Badlands and river bottom and they raise Angus cattle.

Bowman cattleman Steve Brooks was recognized with the NDSA Top Hand Award. He joins an exclusive group of 28 who have received the award over the organization’s history.

“The Top Hand Award is the highest honor the NDSA can bestow, and recipients are ranchers who have given monumental, exceptional service to the association and the beef industry. Steve certainly fits that ticket,” said NDSA President Randy Schmitt of Rugby.

The NDSA also presented the 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award to Spickler Ranch North of Glenfield. Spickler Ranch North is a third- and fourth-generation registered Angus seedstock operation that focuses on stewardship, sustainability and generational succession. The operation is owned and operated by Justin and Sara Spickler and their children, Wyatt, Will, Jessa and Watson.

The NDSA recognized long-time brand inspector Mark Scherbenske of Lehr with the organization’s Honorary Local Brand Inspector Award.

The organization bestowed its Honorary Membership Award to Ray Erbele of Streeter and Tim Petry of Fargo, two longtime industry leaders who have been influential both as educators and livestock marketers.