By Scout Nelson
The Jenson family has been part of South Dakota’s ranching history since 1896, when Johanna Jenson homesteaded land in Harding County. Today, her descendants continue to raise cattle on the same land.
Louise Jenson, now a great-grandmother, still lives on the ranch near the former village of Ralph. Although the town is mostly gone, the Jenson family continues to grow. Louise enjoys caring for her great-grandchildren, while her grandchildren and their spouses manage daily ranch operations.
Ron and Starla Jenson, along with their children and grandchildren, run the ranch together. Ron prefers raising cattle over farming and converting former crop land into hay fields to feed their livestock. His son Jace returned full time in 2014 and brought fresh ideas, focusing on improving herd genetics through artificial insemination.
The family expanded their seedstock business by purchasing the Lensegrav cow herd in 2020. Jace partnered with lifelong friend and brother-in-law Taz Olson, and they now raise and sell quality bulls. In 2025, they moved their annual bull sale to the ranch, drawing nearly 200 buyers in person and online.
The operation is complex, with cattle spread across various locations and both spring and fall calving herds. To stay organized, the family uses spreadsheets to track tasks and meal plans. Everyone helps, and meals are shared after busy workdays.
Despite the hard work, the family finds joy in working together. Jace and Taz focus on careful breeding decisions that benefit not only their herd but also the many ranchers who buy their bulls.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-livingimages
Categories: South Dakota, Business, Crops, Livestock, Dairy Cattle