Schmidt post-humously honored as NDSA Top Hand

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]

Schmidt post-humously honored as NDSA Top Hand

The North Dakota Stockmen's Association (NDSA) post-humously honored longtime cattle industry leader Jason Schmidt of Crystal Springs, N.D., with its prestigious Top Hand Award during the organization's 97th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Bismarck, N.D., tonight. Schmidt's family accepted the award in his honor.

The Top Hand Award is the highest honor the NDSA bestows and recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the cattle industry.

"Jason represented everything the Top Hand Award stands for," said NDSA Immediate Past President Randy Schmitt, a Rugby, N.D., cow-calf producer. "He understood the challenges cattle producers face, was always willing to step forward when the industry needed him and inspired others to become better leaders. His service made the NDSA and the entire beef industry stronger."

Schmidt's involvement with the NDSA spanned more than two decades. Following in the footsteps of his uncle, Arlyn Schmidt, he was elected as an NDSA District 3 director in 1999. He later became an officer and assumed the NDSA presidency in 2010 at age 39, making him one of the youngest presidents in the organization's nearly century-long history. He also served as president of the North Dakota Stockmen's Foundation.

Throughout his service, Schmidt became a respected spokesman for cattle producers. He regularly participated in the state legislative process and was known for studying issues, understanding their implications and coming prepared with factual information. His leadership was especially visible during the 2012 campaign opposing Measure 5, when he became a prominent public voice for animal agriculture.

Schmidt's industry involvement extended beyond the NDSA. He served as chairman of the North Dakota Beef Commission, a Federation of State Beef Councils director, National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) director and NCBA Region 7 policy vice president. He also represented North Dakota on the Cattlemen's Beef Board and served as co-chair of its Safety and Product Innovation Committee.

At home, Schmidt ranched with his father Ivan and son Austin, operating a diversified cow-calf and backgrounding operation. His experiences as a cattle producer shaped the perspective he brought to association board rooms, legislative hearings and national industry discussions.

Schmidt and his wife Serena raised four children, Paige (Jayden Rios), Austin, Madelyn and Ava. His family and ranch were central to his life and helped shape his commitment to strengthening the cattle industry for the next generation.

Schmidt was also committed to developing future agricultural leaders. He served as a Tappen Ag 4-H leader, Kidder County FFA Chapter Advisory Board member, Kidder County Extension Advisory Council member and a longtime school board member. He championed the construction of a new shop for Kidder County School's agricultural education program.

Just as mentors had encouraged Schmidt to become involved early in his career, he encouraged other cattle producers to step forward, become stronger advocates and take on leadership responsibilities.

"Long before Jason Schmidt was selected to receive the Top Hand Award, he was already living up to its meaning," said Jason Leiseth, a past NDSA president from Arnegard, N.D. "He took hold of the work, carried more than his share and left his family, community, association and cattle industry better than he found them."

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