Branding Iron

Stan Misek

Chief Brand Inspector,

Bismarck

I received a call on July 6 from NDSA Executive Vice President Julie Ellingson of St. Anthony who told me that I had been selected as the new chief brand inspector. Shortly after, my telephone rang again. This time it was NDSA Communications Director Sheyna Strommen of Fort Rice. She called to congratulate me and to drop the bomb. “By the way, Stan, your Branding Iron column is due July 15,” she said. “Can’t wait to read it. Bye!”

Well, I hung up the telephone, scratched my head, and began to think about the topic for this column. My first official day as chief was Aug. 2, so, at the time of this writing, I have not even officially moved into the office yet, but I’ll give it a go with a little background information to start.

I am a 31-year NDSA member and joined the brand inspection team in October 1983. Most recently, I inspected for Northern Livestock Auction in Minot, served as inspector-in-charge at the Turtle Lake Weigh Station near Turtle Lake and worked part-time in the Bismarck, Mandan and Rugby markets and performed local inspections, as needed.

I am the fourth of seven children born to Ray and Mary Misek of Granville. My family ranched southeast of town.

After living in Mercer for six years, my wife Angie and I decided to move back to Granville and take over the ranching operation from my parents. We currently run 100-head of Angus cow-calf pairs and background our calves until January or February.

In addition to helping on the ranch, Angie works for Basin Electric Power Cooperative in Bismarck. Our son Jeremy will graduate from the University of Mary in Bismarck this December with a bachelor’s degree in business and finance.

I have been involved in a number of community organizations throughout the years, including the Dakota Feeder Calf Show; the Turtle Lake Weigh Station as a director, vice president and president; Hope Congregational Church in Granville as a deacon; McHenry County 4-H as a leader; and the Mercer Volunteer Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter.

When I’m not brand inspecting or checking on my own herd, I enjoy watching Jeremy play softball, throwing a fishing line in the lake, or just visiting with family and friends.

This is a very exciting time to be involved in the beef industry and I am looking forward to getting started in this new position and meeting all of you. If you are ever in town, please stop by the office or just give me a holler. I’ll see to it that the coffee pot is hot and full.