News Archive
Posted 09/30/2023
For immediate release:
Sept. 30, 2023
For more information, contact:
Jason Leiseth, NDSA president: (701) 586-3714 • jpleiseth@gmail.com
Julie Ellingson, NDSA executive vice president: (701) 223-2522 • jellingson@ndstockmen.org
Corby Ward, NDSA chief brand inspector: (701) 223-2522 • cward@ndstockmen.org
Elizabeth Neshem, NDSA communications director: (701) 833-1162 • eneshem@ndstockmen.org
Mastel named honorary local brand inspector
The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) recognized long-time local brand inspector Mike Mastel of Marmarth, N.D., with the NDSA’s Honorary Local Brand Inspector Award at a special awards banquet during its annual convention in Watford City, N.D., tonight. Mastel provided inspection services to livestock producers from 2004 to 2023.
“I really enjoyed my time as a local brand inspector,” said Mastel. “Working with cattle and producers wasn’t really work to me, but rather an opportunity to learn.”
“We are grateful for Mike’s time serving as a local brand inspector,” said NDSA Chief Brand Inspector Corby Ward. “He is a hardworking individual and is deserving of this honor.”
Mastel was raised on a ranch near Faith, S.D., where he graduated from high school. He continued his education at Western Dakota Technical College, where he received his associate’s degree in agricultural business.
Twenty-eight years ago, Mastel moved to a farmstead near Marmarth to begin his ranching career in North Dakota. Today, he runs 140 cow-calf pairs in the southwestern corner of North Dakota. The herd is primarily comprised of Angus and Hereford genetics. He keeps back his own replacement heifers, as well as sell some to repeat customers. In addition to his time ranching, Mastel also hauls fuel for the Frontier Travel Center in Bowman, N.D., and owns his own trucking company.
Mastel and his wife Hope have four children, Josey (Casey) Thorp, Chance, Seth and Mattie, and one granddaughter, Hazel.
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