Beef Council Proud of SDSU Meat Judging Team

PIERRE (February 18, 2008)—When the Meat Judging Team at South Dakota State University (SDSU) recently won two national competitions, team members and their advisers weren’t the only ones smiling. South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) directors were pleased to see the team they help support with beef checkoff dollars succeed at such a high level.
           “These students are the future of our industry,” says Bob Fortune, SDBIC President. “They are learning skills that they can put to good use in their future careers, and their ability to succeed at this level is impressive.”
          The SDSU team won the Southwestern Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest in Fort Worth, TX, on February 2. On January 20, they won the National Western Livestock Show Meat Judging Contest in Greeley, CO. Both first-place finishes were historic for SDSU meat judging.
          In 2008, SDBIC budgeted $10,000 to help support the team’s activities and travel expenses. SDBIC also supports the American Meat Science Association with a $5,000 general sponsorship for the nationwide judging program. “We’re proud to be a sponsor, and proud of the SDSU team’s wins and their efforts,” says Fortune, a Belvidere rancher.
          Members of the team are: Robbie Helberg, Paso Robles, CA, Eric Hogle, Clarion, IA, Jace Hollenbeck, Harrisburg, Katelyn Milton, Brooklyn Park, MN, Amanda Nolz, Mitchell, Tyler Radke, Minnesota Lake, MN, and Tyler Urban, Lennox. The coach is Dustin Mohrhauser, and faculty adviser is Duane Wulf.

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           The SDBIC collects and administers the $1 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 50 cents, which is invested in additional national programs 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 Auction Market Association, and SD Stockgrowers Association.