S.D. Beef Council to Meet March 20

PIERRE (March 15, 2008)—South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Bill Even will update South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) directors on challenges facing the state’s beef industry during the organization’s quarterly meeting March 20 at the Ramkota Inn in Pierre. Secretary Even will discuss ways in which the Department of Agriculture and the Beef Council can work together for the state’s largest industry. He will speak to SDBIC directors following an 11:45 a.m. lunch.
          During the general meeting, SDBIC directors will utilize planning tools brought back from the recent Cattle Industry Convention in Reno, NV. These planning factors were developed in response to industry challenges and opportunities, says SDBIC Executive Director Barry Jennings. “The directors will play an important role in the planning process by voting on planning factors—defined as the primary concerns of the industry. Their input will assist SDBIC staff in implementing the council’s strategic priorities, which were determined during an earlier planning session,” he says.
          The meeting will also include reports from the SDBIC Promotion and Research Committees. Both committees will meet prior to the general session to discuss proposed projects. In addition, SDBIC Director of Nutrition Holly Swee will be introduced and present a report on her position and recent activities.
          The SDBIC meeting is open to all beef producers. If you are interested in attending the luncheon meeting, please RSVP by calling the SDBIC office at 605-224-4722, by March 18.

          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.