Individuals and Business Honored by Beef Council

BROOKINGS (October 13, 2006)—Three individuals and a business were recently honored by the South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) for efforts in promoting beef and/or the state’s beef industry. Awards were presented during the SDBIC’s annual meeting October 7 as part of the Beef Bowl on the South Dakota State University campus.

            Clear Lake beef producer Neal Ruhd and the Tailgate Restaurant in Huron received the SDBIC’s 2006 Prime Promoter Awards. The awards are given each year to individuals, businesses or organizations which are nominated for their extraordinary efforts in promoting and moving beef product.

Ruhd initiated and helped implement a number of successful beef promotions through his local cattlemen’s organization, the Coteau Hills Cattlemen’s Association.

The Tailgate, opened in 1987, serves in excess of two tons of ground beef, 6,000 pounds of sirloin steak, 4,000 pounds of rib eye, and 22,000 pounds of prime rib a year. The Tailgate is owned by Tom and Tammy Myers.

            Two other individuals were also honored with special awards this year. Amanda Nolz, 2006 National Beef Ambassador and 2005 South Dakota Beef Ambassador, received a Distinguished Service Award. Governor Mike Rounds received a Friend of South Dakota Beef Award in appreciation for development of the South Dakota Certified™ Beef program.

Nolz was the first South Dakotan named National Beef Ambassador. In her roles as both state and national ambassador, Nolz, from Mitchell, traveled the state and nation talking to consumers, the media and beef producers about beef, the beef industry and the beef checkoff program. She was recognized for her dedication and enthusiasm in fulfilling her ambassador positions.

Governor Rounds was recognized for initiating the South Dakota Certified™ Beef program. Begun in 2004, the program’s goal is to add value to South Dakota beef products using state-verified protocols. These protocols raise the standards of local beef production. Benefits of the program include providing quality beef to consumers while providing an affordable marketing alternative for the state’s beef producers and processors.

            The SDBIC collects and administers the beef checkoff on cattle sold in South Dakota . Checkoff dollars are utilized for promotion, education or research programs. At least 50 cents of every dollar is directed to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board for programs on the national level. The SDBIC can retain up to one-half for in-state programs.