Arnegard ranchers attend Young Cattlemen’s Legislative Conference
Julie Ellingson
NDSA executive vice president
Erick and Fallon Leiseth of Arnegard, N.D., were among 11 rising young stars in the state’s beef cattle industry chosen to participate in the 2025 North Dakota Stockmen’s Association’s (NDSA) Young Cattlemen’s Legislative Conference (YCLC) March 19-20 in Bismarck, N.D. They were accompanied by NDSA President Randy Schmitt of Rugby, N.D.; NDSA Vice President Tim Erbele of Streeter, N.D.; NDSA District 4 Director Riley Schriefer of Golden Valley, N.D.; and organization staff.
Erick and Fallon were selected to represent District 5 by the NDSA Board of Directors for their leadership potential and involvement in the North Dakota beef industry. District 5 is comprised of Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, McKenzie, Slope and Stark Counties.
They have two children, Banks and Lenni. Erick and Fallon both graduated from North Dakota State University. Fallon majored in human development and family sciences, and Erick majored in agriculture economics. They farm and ranch north of Arnegard, N.D., alongside Erick’s parents, Jason and Peggy, and brothers, Brady and Tyler. They run a commercial cow-calf operation utilizing Red Angus and Salers genetics. The steers get sold off the cow at weaning time, and they background the heifers around 100 days. Then, they sort them and keep the replacements to breed. They grow alfalfa, hay barley and corn for forage. Other crops they grow include spring wheat, peas and lentils. Fallon also works full-time as a therapist in Williston, N.D.
“The Young Cattlemen’s Legislative Conference provides a foundation of knowledge about the industry, the association and the legislative process for these young producers,” said Schmitt. “It also connects them with key decision-makers and a network of peers who share their passion for and commitment to the cattle industry.”
During the two-day short course, YCLC delegates learned more about the NDSA’s work, the role of the North Dakota Legislative Council and the State Board of Animal Health. They met with House and Senate Agriculture Committee, Senate Appropriations Committee, Senate Industry and Business Committee and Senate Transportation Committee members, attended committee hearings, sat in on the House and Senate floor sessions and - a highlight - discussed rural issues in a meeting with Gov. Kelly Armstrong.
“The cattle industry is one of the state’s economic pillars,” explained Schmitt. “Grassroots producer engagement with lawmakers, like YCLC provides, is critical to underscore its significance, develop relationships and create understanding about issues that matter to cattlemen and women and rural communities. The YCLC participants did an excellent job representing the cattle industry of North Dakota, and they have a bright future ahead of them.”
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