Mike Thyen Named 2025 Promoter of the Year: A Legacy of Resilience and Commitment

Steve Jurrens
Jan 9
2 min read

A man and a woman hold plaques in an award ceremony. A large plaque reads "2025 South Dakota Simmental Association Promoter of the Year, Mike Thyen." Text highlights his achievement. Neutral background.

Northeast Radio SD News - Hayti, SD - The South Dakota Simmental Association has officially named Mike Thyen of Thyen Simmentals as its 2025 Promoter of the Year. In a recent feature article titled “South Dakota Promoter of the Year: A Legacy Carried Forward,” author Amy Blum highlights Thyen’s quiet persistence and his deep-rooted commitment to the future of the cattle industry.

A Foundation in Simmental Heritage

Thyen’s connection to the Simmental breed began in 1974 when his parents, Ron and Dianne, founded Thyen Simmentals. Growing up alongside the cattle on the ranch located between Hayti and Castlewood, Thyen absorbed the rhythm of ranch life long before he fully stepped into the operation’s legacy. Today, the operation farms approximately 1,500 acres and has grown its herd from 100 cows to 350 over the last 15 years.

Man and woman smiling, man holding "Promoter of the Year" plaque, woman wearing crown and sash, beige backdrop, carpeted floor.

Resilience Amidst Loss

The year 2025 brought unprecedented challenges for the Thyen family. On February 1, the family patriarch, Ron, passed away following a battle with aggressive cancer. Just weeks later, on February 25, Thyen lost a close friend and cattle partner, Charlie Tesch. Despite these profound personal losses, Thyen pressed forward, fulfilling his roles as the Simmental sale manager for the Watertown Winter Farm Show and a leader within the state association.

As noted in Blum’s article:

“For Mike, the losses of 2025 were personal, profound, and layered. But, they also clarified his purpose.”

Community and Family Endeavor

Under Thyen’s guidance, the Watertown Winter Farm Show has seen significant growth, with projected entries for the 2026 event reaching 20 bulls and 20 heifers.

Thyen credits much of this success to his family and a dedicated herd of friends who assist with major projects. His wife, Patty, sister Eva Engebretson, and sister Kathryn Jurrens—who manages the family’s catalog and website—all play vital roles in the operation.

Four people stand indoors, one holding a plaque reading "Promoter of the Year.” Another wears a sash and crown, smiling. Casual setting.

Thyen’s philosophy remains rooted in the lessons passed down from his father: taking on massive challenges “one bite at a time.”

This unwavering commitment to building better soil, feeding cattle well, and creating reliable income opportunities for the next generation is what cemented his status as the 2025 Promoter of the Year.

Wooden award plaque with a cow image, engraved with "2025 South Dakota Simmental Association Promoter of the Year, Mike Thyen." Documents in background.