South Dakotan Named to Beef Board Operating Committee

PIERRE (February 6, 2007)--A South Dakota beef producer was named to the Beef Promotion Operating Committee of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) during the recent Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville, Tenn.
   Merrill Karlen , Oacoma, a director on the South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC), was elected to the 20-person committee by Beef Board members. The Operating Committee is responsible for approving projects and funding to carry out Beef Checkoff Programs. Karlen is beginning the second year of his first three-year term on the CBB.
        Two other South Dakota ranchers were sworn in as new members of the CBB during the largest-ever Cattle Industry Convention. Myron Williams , Wall, and Allen Walth, Glenham, took the oath on the second day of the convention which ran from January 31 to February 3. SDBIC Director Ed Blair , Vale, is serving his second term on the CBB and chairs the Joint International Markets Committee.
        The CBB consists of 104 members, including domestic beef, dairy and veal producers, as well as importers of beef and beef products.
        Members are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture from nominations submitted by certified nominating organizations. The number of CBB members is established according to the number of cattle in the state or region; 500,000 head for the first Board member and 1 million head for each additional member. South Dakota is ranked eighth in the nation in total cattle numbers of approximately 3.75 million.
        The Beef Board oversees collection of $1-per-head on all cattle sold in the U.S. and $1-per-head equivalent on imported cattle, beef and beef products. State beef councils may retain up to 50 cents of the money collected in their state, but at least 50 cents must be sent to the Beef Board. The Beef Board is responsible for approving the annual budget for its national checkoff-funded program.
                                                                                ______________________
        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.