Lifetime Leaders of Rodeo & Ranching Rodeo Ranching Great Westerner Western Entertaiment & Arts Rodeo Producers & Livestock Special Achievement Cowboy Long Rider Legacy Award

Ranching

Leonard Davis
2006 Hall of Fame Ranching Inductee

Born January 19, 1933, near Belfield, Leonard Davis grew up on a small, diversified ranch.

In his adult years, Leonard was dedicated to improving the productive quality of the land, as well as being aware of the critical need to conserve precious moisture.

Careful planning and recordkeeping were skills he used often. He was noted for trying reasonable-sounding new ideas and techniques.

Leonard married Mildred Ann Owens in June 1934. In 1936, he purchased the original Oakdale town site from his mother-in-law, who was the Oakdale postmistress and then started the Killdeer Mountain Ranch.

He added adjoining parcels as they became available, including the historic Killdeer Mountain Rodeo grounds in 1959. Eventually, his operation was about 2,000 acres.
Leonard concentrated on commercial beef, cash grain crops, winter feedlot operations and raising feed for cattle. The ranch provided wooded areas for cattle shelter and cool springs for animal and human water supply.

He also promoted and encouraged the establishment of a fully-funded animal disease research center in North Dakota as he feared animal diseases would become more problematic in the future.

Leonard many recognitions over the years, including the Dunn County Soil Conservation Achievement Program award winner in 1948, 1950 and 1958; and Man of the Year in North Dakota Agriculture from the NDSU Saddle and Sirloin Club in 1959.

He was also named honorary “State Farmer” degree by the North Dakota Future Farmers of America in 1963; and honorary “Chapter Farmer” by the Killdeer Chapter of the Future Farmers of America in 1964.

Leonard believed in public service and was president of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, a five-term state legislator and a widely recognized leader in state and community affairs.

Working to improve the quality of life for farmers and ranchers in western North Dakota seemed to be his life’s mission. He could be described as a loyal North Dakota rancher, with vision, integrity, energy and a joy of living.

Leonard died October 31, 1972.