Ken Thorstenson of Selby, South Dakota, was inducted posthumously into the American Gelbvieh Association Hall of Fame for 2018. The induction took place during the awards banquet at the 47th Annual AGA National Convention in Wichita, Kansas.
Ken’s son, Vaughn Thorstenson; daughter-in-law, Wendy; and granddaughter, Gina, were present at the awards ceremony to accept the accolade on his behalf. Lori Maude, Hermosa, South Dakota, presented the award to the Thorstenson family.
The AGA Hall of Fame recognizes individuals for their lasting contribution to the growth and development of the Gelbvieh breed. Hall of fame inductee selection criterion includes contributions to breed promotion efforts, leadership provided to the association and the breeding of superior genetics that are of great influence within the Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle population.
Ken Thorstenson was among the first cattlemen in the United States to use imported Gelbvieh semen and seedstock to expand his herd. Thorstenson Gelbvieh was established in 1975 when they began selling bulls through private treaty. The operation held its first annual bull sale at St. Onge Livestock in St. Onge, South Dakota, in 1982. Throughout the years, Ken purchased many elite herd sires that brought great success to the ranch, not only for the Gelbvieh herd, but also for the Angus herd lending to the great foundation for the ranch’s Balancer cowherd.
Today, Thorstenson Gelbvieh, also known as Lazy TV Ranch, has continued to build on Thorstenson’s legacy since his passing in 2010. The operation will host its 37th annual bull sale at the ranch this March where they will offer 200 Gelbvieh, Balancer and Angus bulls.