Cathy Eichacker, Eichacker Simmentals, was recently named the South Dakota Woman Farmer and Rancher-of-the-Year, during a Dakotafest Women in Ag event. Eichacker has dedicated countless hours to youth, volunteering, and leadership, and is also an integral part of her family’s seedstock operation. The Salem, South Dakota, rancher helped host the 2017 North Central Regional Classic, volunteers for 4-H and FFA, leads youth events, and volunteers within her community.

Eichacker and her husband, Steve, a current ASA Board of Trustees member, raise Simmental seedstock and also put up hay and farm. In addition to her organizational involvement, Eichacker is active in their family church and dedicates time to educating local youth about the beef industry. This spring, she improvised and held an online field trip to the farm for her son’s class, and sent them regular updates on a newborn calf to help foster an interest in the beef industry.

The Dakotafest Women in Ag award came with $500, intended to recognize hard-working women in South Dakota agriculture. This was the first year the award was given, and in addition to Eichacker, four other women from the livestock and farming industries were nominated.

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