James Konechne is SCC Producer of the Year

​The South Central Cattlemen’s Association named Kimball native, James Konechne the 2020 Producer Of The Year at the group’s annual meeting Saturday evening at the Platte Community Building. Konechne is a 1971 graduate of Kimball High School and received his degree from South Dakota State University of Brookings in 1976. He met his wife, Audrey in Brookings and they were married in 1977. He has remained on the same family farm his entire life. He started the traditional way, raising crops and cattle. The operation grew into a feedlot mainly beyond lighter weight calves, which were sold as yearlings. They also finish
cattle and breed heifers for resale. In 2013, the family purchased the Red Barn Lodge that provides hunting and other event services.
Konechne is a lifelong member of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church and is an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council in Kimball. He and his wife, Audrey have six children. Sons Chris and Kelly reside at the ranch and are instrumental in its day to day operation. Son Grant of Huron is a loan officer. Daughter Laura is a nurse and lives in St. Louis. Son Kevin lives near the ranch and runs his own trucking business. Son Taylor works in nanotechnology and lives in California. The grandkids are upcoming fourth generation members on the family farm. Kent Geppert, right, presented the award, on behalf of the South Central Cattlemen’s Association to, Chris Konechne, left, Amanda Konechne, Carter Konechne, Audrey Konechne and Kelly Konechne.

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