President, South Dakota Cattlemen's Association

Eric Jennings owns and operates a beef cattle ranch with his wife Michelle in Spearfish, SD, living in the house he grew up in. After graduating from SDSU with a degree in Agricultural Education he taught vocational agriculture in Lennox, SD for two years before returning to his family’s ranch in 1988. 

Because the ranch included land in the Black Hills National Forest and land along Spearfish Creek, Eric has been active in protecting the private property and public grazing rights, and educating the public on how responsible management of these lands can contribute to the ecological health of the land. 

As a life time learner, Eric has attended many seminars and workshops along with graduating from South Dakota Agriculture and Rural Leadership (SDARL) and receiving training as a Conflict Resolution facilitator.  Eric has had leadership roles in many organizations over the past years.  He was recently elected to serve on the Lawrence County Commission, is the current President of South Dakota Cattlemen Association, serves on the Board of Directors of SDARL, South Dakota Historical Society Foundation, Black Hills Regional Multiple Use Coalition, and Society of Black Hills Pioneers.  Eric is also involved with United Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge.