Eminent Farmer
County: Brule
John Glaus of Chamberlain is a well-known cattle producer and leader in many beef organizations. John is very dedicated to his family, church, community, state, and livestock industry.
John graduated from South Dakota State College in 1948 with an animal science degree. While in college, he was a member of Blue Key, Alpha Zeta and Block and Bridle and was on the Little International staff. He served his country in World War II in the U.S. Army Field Artillery and saw action in the Pacific Theater.
After graduating from college, he returned to the family ranch south of Chamberlain and started ranching with his father. In 1949 he married Florine Lee of Isabel.
Glaus is the third generation on the Glaus Angus Ranch. From an original 40 angus heifers, the herd has grown to 300 head. Seeing a need to improve performance, Glaus started production testing in 1955.
In 1961, the Glaus ranch was one of the first in South Dakota to use artificial insemination on a large scale. Today, the Glaus ranch annual bull sale features 50 to 60 top quality bulls and 10 to 15 bred heifers.
Service and leadership in the beef industry came naturally. Glaus served the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association as president and has been a member of several committees and a member of the board of directors for 10 years. He represents the Stockgrowers on the National Beef Promotion and Research Board and serves on the board's executive committee. He also was chairman of the Consumer Information Board.
In the National Cattlemans Association, Glaus has served as area vice president representing a five state region. He was also on the NCA Futures Task Force.
Glaus has served on the South Dakota Beef Industry Council since its beginning in 1968. He has been the council's treasurer, has served on the Executive Board, and represented the Beef Council on the Meat Export Federation.
He was a 4-H Leader for 25 years. He has served as state vice president of the 4-H Leaders Association, was State Fair 4-H Beef Superintendent for 17 years and helped establish the 4-H Livestock Trust Fund.
Glaus is a member of the United Church of Christ, has sung in the choir for 50 years and served on many committees.
Other service activities include past president of the Brule County Livestock Association, chairman of the Brule Township Board for several terms, member and director of the Brule County Crop Improvement Association, member of Farm Bureau, past president of the State Production Records Association, Farmers Home Administration board, Mason and Past Master and Veterans of Foreign Wars. In addition, he served on the SDSU Advisory Board for eight years and was board president in 1977.
John and Florine have four children: June Shield of Harrisburg; Janet Wehde of Dell Rapids; Jim Glaus of Chamberlain; and Barb Glaus of Sturgis.