South Dakota Cattle Woman Honored With Proclamation

PIERRE (February 6, 2006)—It isn’t every citizen that has a day named in his or her honor by the Governor. Unless, of course, you’re a South Dakota cattle woman just elected to head a national organization.

            Governor Michael Rounds proclaimed February 2 as Nancy Stirling Neuhauser Day—the same day this Midland , S.D. rancher was in Denver being named president of the American National CattleWomen, Inc. (ANCW). Neuhauser will lead the 2000-plus member group for one year and comes to the top position after years of involvement on the local, state, regional and national level.

            “ Nancy is an excellent example of a volunteer who has worked tirelessly through the years to make the beef industry better for all of us,” says Pat Adrian , executive vice president of the South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC). “We’re so proud of her and her enthusiasm for this industry. She will certainly have a positive impact.”

As a past SDBIC director and ANCW vice president and president-elect, Neuhauser was instrumental in bringing the National Beef Cook-Off® to South Dakota this past September, serving as its co-chair. The event drew national attention to the state and highlighted home cooks and creative beef recipes. The Cook-Off is one of the beef checkoff-funded programs under the auspices of the ANCW, an affiliate of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

Another ANCW program funded with checkoff-dollars is the National Beef Ambassador Program. This year, a Mitchell youth, Amanda Nolz, was selected from a group of young people from across the nation to serve in that position.

            Neuhauser was in Denver when she found out about the Governor’s proclamation. “I was overwhelmed,” she says. “This job brings with it a huge responsibility, but I know I have the support of the membership, my state and my wonderful family.”

            A mother of eight, Neuhauser’s husband Raymond and six daughters were on hand in Denver . Two sons manage ranches in South Dakota . This 50-year-member of the ANCW says her goals include increasing ANCW membership along with increasing awareness of the organization nationwide.

            ANCW’s mission, she says, is to promote and support the industry, and encourage women involved in beef and related agribusiness. ANCW offers leadership development, education, volunteer opportunities, national programs, and participates in the strategic planning process of the cattle industry.