Beef Council Recognizes Winning Cowboys

PIERRE --(December 21, 2006)   The South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) is congratulating several Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR)-winning cowboys in a special way. Six of South Dakota ’s finest will be receiving $100-beef certificates for their outstanding performances during the premier championship event held in Las Vegas December 6-14.

“We want to recognize that the heritage of the great American cowboy is alive and well in South Dakota ,” said Johnny Smith, with Ft. Pierre Livestock and an SDBIC director. Smith said South Dakota did particularly well during this year’s NFR, sometimes called the Superbowl of Rodeo. Six of the top 15 saddle bronc riders were from South Dakota . “We know these cowboys enjoy beef and will make good use of the beef certificates.”

Saddle bronc winners receiving the certificates include: Chad Ferley, Oelrichs—World Champion; J.J. Elshere, Quinn—Average Winner ; Jeff Willert, Belvidere—2005 World Champion and 9^th  place in 2006; Jesse Bail, Camp Crook—tied for 10^th Go-Round; Bryce Miller, Buffalo—tied for 10^th Go-Round; and Billy Etbauer, Ree Heights—five-time World Champion and 7^th in 2006.

The SDBIC collects and administers the beef checkoff on cattle sold in South Dakota . Checkoff dollars are utilized strictly for promotion, education or research programs. Fifty cents of every dollar is directed to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board for programs on the national level. The SDBIC retains up to 50 cents, investing it in additional national or in-state programs.

The SDBIC is comprised of three representatives from eight agricultural organizations: SD Beef Breeds Council, SD Cattlemen’s Association, SD Cattlemen’s Auxiliary, SD CattleWomen, SD Farm Bureau Federation, SD Farmers Union, SD Livestock Market Association, and SD Stockgrowers Association.