South Dakota Rancher Oren Lesmeister received the Bruce Miller award this week at the 2022 National Farmers Union convention in Denver, Colorado. The Bruce Miller award is given to a member who is actively involved at state and national Farmers Union events and shows a strong commitment of service to their state and community. Lesmeister says he’s honored for the recognition and that this award is a great legacy for one of Farmers Union’s best.

Lesmeister says his experience in the organization has shown him the benefits of commodity groups and encourages other producers to join.

As for the convention itself, Lesmeister notes that the conference focused on a lot of discussions related to the Right to Repair Act and creating more options for livestock producers by breaking up the meatpacking monopolies. In addition to this award, South Dakota had a successful trip to the convention as Aberdeen farmer Jeff Kippley was elected to National Farmers Union Vice-President.