Eminent Farmer
County: Meade
Edward T. Blair is a man who knows tradition. For over 100 years the Blair family has continued a tradition of livestock production in western South Dakota. The past 30 years Ed has owned and managed Blair Brothers Angus ranch. He has spent most of his life, raising cattle, corn, and alfalfa on the 6000-acre ranch, in partnership with his brother Rich.
For 20 years Ed has worked hard to promote quality genetics in his livestock, primarily through the use of artificial insemination of highly proven bulls. Resulting from an extensive AI program, a well-respected commercial bull enterprise has evolved. Blair Brothers are now marketing bulls from Canada to Texas.
Along with being involved on his ranch, Ed is extremely involved in the Sturgis and Vale communities. To name a few of his contributions to community, state, and nation: Meade County 4-H leader for 25 years, Meade County Extension Board Member for 5 years, South Dakota Farm Bureau member for 33 years where he has held local, state and national positions, and a member of the South Dakota Beef Industry Council for 7 years. Ed is currently working with the Ag & Biosystems Engineering Department at SDSU to research the use of vegetative treatment areas as an alternative to lagoon systems. The Blair Brothers also donate a steer calf each year to SDSU Steers for State to help promote activities on campus.
Ed and his wife Wanda have two children, both with degrees from SDSU.