Beef Council Supports Upcoming Events

PIERRE (March 27, 2007)—South Dakota’s volunteer firemen and a program to better inform students about the important role agriculture plays in their life are the recipients of beef promotion dollars.

The South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) board of directors recently voted to help support an effort to put steaks on the plates of the state’s volunteer firemen who will be attending the three-day state fire school in June hosted by the Ft. Pierre and Pierre Volunteer Fire Departments.

“This is an excellent opportunity to showcase beef and help support these men and women who contribute so much to their communities across the state,” says Pat Adrian, SDBIC executive director. According to Rick Cronin, co-chair of the event and Assistant Fire Chief of the Ft. Pierre Fire Department, the annual training school is expected to bring approximately 1000 people, including firefighters and spouses, to Ft. Pierre . The Beef Council’s contribution will purchase beef to be used at a steak feed on one evening of the event.

A second event sponsored by SDBIC is the Agriculture and Natural Resource Day May 9 in Rapid City . For the second year, Women Involved in Farm Economics (WIFE) of the Black Hills will bring urban students and professionals in the agricultural and natural resources venues together. The goal is to provide a setting where students can put a face with the producer of their food and learn about how South Dakota protects its natural resources. Approximately 500 students and their teachers will be invited to attend.

“Today’s youth are tomorrow’s consumers of beef,” says Adrian . “The Beef Council’s directors understand how important it is to provide opportunities for our youth to become more knowledgeable about agriculture, and the beef industry.” She adds that this event is just one part of a multi-faceted effort to reach the state’s youth. Checkoff dollars also support Ag in the Classroom and the Ag Ventures programs. 

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 Market Association, and SD Stockgrowers Association.