The Legacy of a Stockman with Hugh Ingalls
Few individuals have contributed more to South Dakota’s cattle industry than 2024 Inductee Hugh Ingalls (1929-2025). He was widely recognized in the state cattle industry and nationally as a “true stockman” who volunteered to promote the cattle industry and the Angus breed. Hugh was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame for his positive impact and leadership in South Dakota.
Hugh joined South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Director, Bradley Haupt, to share more about his life and legacy as one of South Dakota’s leaders in the cattle industry. We are honored to share this conversation with you.
He faced numerous hardships throughout his 95 years living on the beautiful but sometimes harsh prairie of South Dakota. As a child of the Depression and the second of five siblings who lost their mother at an early age, Hugh grew up shouldering responsibilities beyond his years.
Hugh shared some thoughts about the inherent creativity one needs to cultivate to face problems, “Every problem has a solution, but you have to work hard to find it.”
The values of honesty, hard work, perseverance, and a striving for excellence instilled in him by his family and his faith in God have enabled Hugh to let hardships help shape him into an effective and inspiring leader and a kind and generous person.
When asked what was a pivotal moment for Hugh in his life and career, he shared, “It was when I realized I couldn’t do what I love by myself. I saw success when I leaned on the Good Lord’s guidance and strength.”
Through the years, Hugh influenced many South Dakota ranchers to produce better cattle by using performance testing. In 1956, at only 26 years old, he began keeping production records to improve the quality of his herd and was among the first in the state to do so. This early leadership earned him the title of 1960 Outstanding Young Farmer. In the early 1980s, cattle geneticists from South Dakota State University recognized the value Hugh was breeding into his cattle, and a 30+ year research relationship was formed, with SDSU purchasing Hugh’s steer calves each year for use in nationally recognized research.
SDSU professor Dr. Robbi Pritchard collaborated with Hugh on over 20 research projects. According to Pritchard, Hugh provided the biggest and most productive research herd resource for SDSU’s Animal Science Department.
In 2004, Hugh was chosen by SDSU for the “Friend of the Beef Industry” award, and in 2016 as “Eminent Rancher.” He has received numerous other awards for his contributions to agriculture and the beef industry, including being an American Angus Association Heritage Foundation inductee.
One of Hugh’s most impactful contributions to the livestock community has been his years of service to the Central States Fair and the Black Hills Stock Show. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, Hugh helped lead the Livestock Committee for 20 years, acting as “Livestock Ambassador” to thousands of cattlemen. He was recognized in 1995 as BHSS Stockman of the Year for his involvement in the cattle industry and received the BHSS Hall of Fame Silver Spur Award in 2010 for his commitment to the Central States Fair and Black Hills Stock Show.
When asked what it is like to be inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame, Hugh said, “Very humbling. My father was inducted 40 years ago, and I think he would be pleased. I am proud to follow him.”
Hugh’s legacy as a cattleman is summed up well in the words of Dr. Pritchard: “Hugh represents the dignity, integrity, determination, willingness to learn, and the sense of adventure that inspires. He has lived as an example of what we imagine when we tell others what is good about South Dakota ranching. I haven’t met anyone involved in the state’s cattle industry who is more widely known and respected.”
To learn more about the life of Hugh Ingalls, visit his legacy page here.