TODD WILKINSON

The new NCBA president reflects on the past, comments on the present, and looks to the future

- Gene Johnston

Todd Wilkinson, 2023 president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), represents cattle ranchers across the country and in the nation’s capital. He has practiced law for more than 38 years and been involved in NCBA both locally and nationally, but his favorite activity is being outside and working cattle on his farm near De Smet, South Dakota.

SF: Tell us about your farm and cattle operation.

TW: Wilkinson Livestock is around 1,800 acres about 45 miles west of Brookings, South Dakota. It’s a combination of corn, soybeans, pasture, and hay, with about 350 Angus-based commercial cows. We also run some stocker cattle and a feedlot. Some of our cattle go to a feed yard in Nebraska for Walmart’s Prime Pursuits program. Farming with my son, Nick, is one of the real joys in my life.

SF: What are the strengths of your cattle operation?

TW: I’m proud of our success with calving. We start heifers in late February and have a very tight calving window. We’ll get 240 calves in about 40 days. We do most of it in two calving barns, one that can hold 18 pairs, the other 14, and we have an overflow barn if needed. As soon as calves are up and doing good, we get them outside to make room for more.