Posted 09/27/2025
For immediate release:
Sept. 26, 2025
For more information, contact:
Julie Schaff Ellingson, NDSA executive vice president: (701) 223-2522 • jellingson@ndstockmen.org
Scherbenske recognized for local brand inspection work
The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) recognized long-time brand inspector Mark Scherbenske of Lehr, N.D., with the organization’s Honorary Local Brand Inspector Award at a special banquet during its 96th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Minot, N.D., tonight.
Scherbenske has been serving North Dakota livestock producers as a local brand inspector since Ronald Reagan was the president.
A 36-year NDSA member, Scherbenske remembers being at the Gackle Feeder Calf Show when Wade Moser, then the NDSA executive vice president, approached him about becoming a local inspector, and he accepted.
Brand inspection is a perfect match for him – as one of his favorite things to do is look at good cattle, he said. “And North Dakota has some of the very best.”
“Mark is an exceptional brand inspector, responsible for thousands of inspections himself each year – often the most of any local inspector on an annual basis,” said NDSA Chief Brand Inspector Corby Ward.
Scherbenske makes many trips to Warren Zenker’s feedlot each year to inspect cattle, and Zenker described him as “a true cattle and horseman, reliable, always willing to help and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure the job is done right.”
In addition to his brand inspection work, Scherbenske also has his own commercial and registered Angus operation. He and his family market seedstock through an annual production sale, and 2026 will mark their 50th anniversary sale.
“This is the best profession a person can have,” Scherbenske said. “All I ever wanted to do was be in the cattle business, and what a blessing it is to be able to do that my whole life.”
Scherbenske and his wife Jill have four children and four grandchildren. Their children are Luke, Kalli Jo and Kara (married to Brayden Salzer), who are involved in the day-to-day operation, and Delane.
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