Posted 09/20/2024

For immediate release:

Sept. 20, 2024

For more information, contact:

Randy Schmitt, NDSA president: (701) 537-3440 • [email protected]

Julie Ellingson, NDSA executive vice president: (701) 223-2522 • [email protected]

Corby Ward, NDSA chief brand inspector: (701) 223-2522 • [email protected]

Elizabeth Hasenwinkel, NDSA communications director: (701) 833-1162 • [email protected]

Kleppe named honorary local brand inspector

The North Dakota Stockmen's Association (NDSA) recognized long-time local brand inspector and 33-year NDSA member Norman Kleppe of Napoleon, N.D., with the NDSA's Honorary Local Brand Inspector Award at a special awards banquet during its annual convention in Bismarck, N.D., tonight. Kleppe has been providing inspection services since 1992.

"I have really enjoyed my time as a local brand inspector," said Kleppe. "I have always been a believer in the importance of proving ownership, and permanent brands are the way to go for identification of ownership in the cattle industry."

"We are grateful for Norman's long-time service as a local brand inspector in Logan County and the surrounding areas," said NDSA Chief Brand Inspector Corby Ward. "He is a hardworking individual who knows the agriculture business and is deserving of this award."

Kleppe was raised on a farm and ranch near Dawson, N.D., where he was the youngest boy in his family and always had an interest in agriculture. He graduated from North Dakota State University and taught agricultural education for five years before entering the banking industry. For the last 25 years, Kleppe has served as an agricultural banker. This is in addition to his commercial cow/calf operation, which he operates on his family's home ranch, and his brand inspection work.

When his father was ready to conclude his brand inspection career in the early 1990s, Kleppe was encouraged to take his position in Logan County and he has been brand inspecting ever since. He also inspected at the Steele, N.D., and Sterling, N.D., weigh stations when they were open.

Kleppe and his wife Celeste have five children, Josh, Ben, Dustin, Nathan and Kaitlyn, and 15 grandchildren.

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