Speaker Stresses Beef Council’s Vital Role

PIERRE (July 2, 2007)--Administering the millions of checkoff dollars collected from South Dakota’s  thousands of cattle producers is no small task--and it carries with it a serious responsibility. That was the message to directors of the South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) at its quarterly meeting June 27 in Pierre .

            In a presentation that reviewed the history, structure and regulations of the Beef Checkoff Program, Paula Waggoner of Denver , who works with the nation’s state beef councils on behalf of the checkoff, emphasized that SDBIC directors are accountable to their neighbors for how and where their $1-per-head checkoff investment is spent. She added that they should be proud of the leadership role they hold in a program that strives to build demand for beef.

            “The information Paula presented is nothing new to our directors,” says Roger Gerdes, SDBIC president and Miller-area cattle producer. “They are very aware of their responsibilities. It’s just a great idea every once in awhile to review the basics of what it means to be an SDBIC director.”

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. In 2006, SDBIC collected a total of $2.8 million.

SDBIC directors are comprised of three representatives from eight of the state’s agriculture-related organizations: the S.D. Beef Breeds Council, S.D. CattleWomen, S.D. Cattlemen’s Association, S.D. Cattlemen’s Auxiliary, S.D. Farm Bureau, S.D. Farmers Union, S.D. Livestock Auction Market Association and S.D. Stockgrowers Association. Each organization has one vote. The state’s producers also have representation on the national level.

“ South Dakota ’s producers definitely have a voice when it comes to their checkoff dollars,” says Gerdes. “I encourage them to become involved--either by becoming a director through one of the eight organizations or talking to your director about issues you care about.”

During the meeting, the board welcomed a new board member.  Debbie Harwood, a Union Center cattle producer, replaced Jim Beastrom, Pierre , as a representative from S.D. Farmers Union.

The directors also voted to approve two major projects recommended by the SDBIC Promotion Committee: an extension of this past year’s partnership with South Dakota Public Broadcasting to sponsor broadcasts of the South Dakota High School Athletic Association Championships, and a three-year statewide sponsorship of the American Heart Association’s Start! Heart Walk program, including Heart Walks in Sioux Falls , Aberdeen , Pierre and Rapid City .

            “We’re excited about these projects,” says SDBIC Executive Director Barry Jennings. “The SDPB partnership allows the beef industry to bring both the popular high school athletic championships and beef’s important nutrition message into South Dakotan’s homes.”

            He adds that the partnership with the American Heart Association will provide an opportunity to provide healthy beef cooking demonstrations and provide important information about beef’s 29 lean beef cuts to consumers and the health community. “This project provides an opportunity to continue to foster and nurture the relationship we have with the medical and health community,” says Jennings .

            The SDBIC Prime Promoter Committee also selected four winners of the 2007 Prime Promoter Award, which will be presented during the SDBIC annual meeting in Brookings on September 22 as part of the South Dakota State University Beef Bowl festivities.