Dave and Kim Utke have received an abundance of honors for their role in the equine industry besides being inducted into the Appaloosa Hall of Fame. Sheldak Ranch was named No. 3 on a list of the top five horse farms in the United States by Horseman Magazine in 2012. The couple was also named the Red River Horse Breeders Association Horseman and Horsewoman of the Year in 2016. That same year the couple was honored with the North Dakota State University Harvest Bowl Outstanding Agriculturalist Award.
The Utkes started their operation, Sheldak Ranch, more than 50 years ago, with $1,000 and big dreams. Well, I stuck with my pipe dream as a kid to raise horses for a living. Dave and I started our horse business with only $1,000 between us both,” Kim Utke said.