Myron Williams

South Dakotan to Chair Checkoff Division

PIERRE (February 11, 2005)— Myron Williams , a rancher from Wall, S.D., was elected chairman of the Federation of State Beef Councils (Checkoff) Division of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) during the recent NCBA annual meeting in San Antonio, Tex.

            In that position, Williams and representatives from other state beef councils plan and oversee the use of the checkoff monies from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) and the 45 state beef councils.

            “We’re really proud of Myron achieving this national position,” says Pat Adrian, executive vice president of the South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC). “It indicates Myron’s leadership capabilities and his concern for the checkoff program and the educational, research and informational projects that it funds. It also shows his commitment to making the industry better for all cattle producers.”      

            Williams, who represents the South Dakota Farm Bureau on the SDBIC, also represents the Federation Division on the Operating Committee. He most recently served as vice chairman of the NCBA Federation Division and as an NCBA director. He is a past National Livestock and Meat Board director and U.S. Meat Export Federation director.

            Five other South Dakotans were named to national positions during the San Antonio event, which also included the annual meeting of the CBB. Merrill Karlen, Reliance, was seated as a new member on the CBB after being appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in December, and Tom Connelly, Belle Fourche , was seated on the Federation Division of NCBA after being elected to that position by the SDBIC. Gary Sharp, dairy producer from Bath , was elected to the Beef Promotion Operating Committee; Pat Blum, Reliance was appointed chairman of the Health Professional Influencers Subcommittee; Ed Blair, Vale, was appointed vice chairman of the International Marketing Committee.     

“ South Dakota is very well represented on the national level,” says Nancy Montross, a DeSmet beef producer and SDBIC president. “The number of South Dakotans serving on national boards, committees and subcommittees is an excellent indication of the quality of people we have representing the state’s beef producers. They are knowledgeable and very capable.”

            Other South Dakotans attending the national meetings and serving on various committees and subcommittees were: Mike Stahly, Cavour; Roger Gerdes , Miller; Nancy Montross, DeSmet; and Becky Walth, Glenham. 

            The SDBIC collects the $1-per-head beef checkoff on cattle sold in South Dakota . The state council, comprised of representatives from eight agriculture organizations, can retain up to 50 cents for state checkoff programs, while the remaining amount is forwarded to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. All checkoff dollars, state or national, must be used for promotion, research or educational projects.

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