BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — The Crighton Ranch, located in the southwest part of McKenzie County, has just been named the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) 2025 Rancher of the Year.
The award was presented at the 96th annual Convention and Trade Show in Minot the evening of Friday, September 26.
“David Lee Crighton is a good thinker and excellent stockman,” NDSA Honorary Recognition Committee Member Mark Voll of Sidney, Montana, said in a press release. “He and Nancy have successfully passed these traits down to their family.”
The cow-calf operation is run by David Lee and Nancy Crighton, along with their daughter, Nikki Winter. Lee’s father and grandfather both ran the homestead before it was his turn. Many other family members have come and gone, and others continue to help on the ranch.
The Crightons started out on both sides of the Little Missouri River, but eventually sold their place on the east side and expanded on the west side. The Crightons explained that Nikki runs the ranch with them, and that she’ll take over when they retire.
The terrain along the river in Hay Draw features Badlands and river bottom, and the Crightons’ herd is Angus. Crighton cattle are branded with the “OT-Bar,” on the right rib, and they have other registered brands called the “inverted TO” and the “IC,” both on the right hip.
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“When it gets to be shipping time, we got to have about five days to get gathered and get them somewhere where we can ship from,” Lee said in a press release. “All our neighbors come and help us gather, and then we go back and help them gather in their pastures. We’re pretty dependent on our neighbors.”
The Crightons are McKenzie County Grazing Association members, and they have been NDSA members for 40 years. Lee has served for many years on the grazing board.
“The Crighton Ranch is the epitome of all that the NDSA represents, and the family well deserves this prestigious award,” NDSA President Randy Schmitt said.
The Stockmen’s Assocation gave out several other awards as well:
- Spickler Ranch North won the Environmental Stewardship Award
- Mark Scherbenske of Lehr, ND won the Honorary Local Brand Inspector Award
- Bowman cattleman Steve Brooks was named the association’s Top Hand
- Ray Erbele of Streeter and Tim Petry of Fargo were named honorary members of the association
Additionally, four employees were honored for their long-time service in the industry
- Corby Ward of Bismarck
- Kenton Pulkrabek of Mandan
- Mike Schwab of Linton
- Julie Ellingson of St. Anthony
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