SDBIC President Roger Gerdes, Incoming SDBIC Executive Director Barry Jennings , and Dean of SDSU’s College of Agriculture and Biological  Sciences Dr. Gary Lemme discussed the partnership between the two organizations at a recent meeting.

Beef Council’s Incoming Exec Meets SDSU Staff

  PIERRE (May 7, 2007)--The incoming executive director of the South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) and staff from South Dakota State University’s (SDSU) College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences sat across a table recently to share ideas and discuss the organizations’ ongoing partnership.

            Barry Jennings , who takes the reigns of the SDBIC when long-time executive Pat Adrian retires July 1, was welcomed to the SDSU campus by the College’s Dean Dr. Gary Lemme. Adrian, who introduced Jennings , says the meeting was an excellent opportunity to reinforce the already strong relationship between the Beef Council and SDSU.

             “Over the years the Beef Council has invested thousands of checkoff dollars into beef-related research at SDSU,” said Adrian . “The University is a highly regarded research institution and we’re proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish as we work together.”

            Jennings , a 1998 SDSU graduate, and Lemme both expressed their commitment to agriculture--specifically beef production--in South Dakota . “We are partners, not just in research, but in our desire for the sustainability of agriculture in this state,” said Lemme.

            Other SDBIC representatives attending the meeting included SDBIC President Roger Gerdes of Miller, and Becky Walth , Glenham, a member of the SDBIC Research Committee.

            Jennings said the meeting provided an excellent opportunity to meet and talk with the College’s administration, as well as individual researchers, faculty, Extension personnel and communication specialists who help disseminate research information to beef producers and consumers across the state and country.

            “I am excited to help build on the relationship that’s developed between the Beef Council and SDSU,” said Jennings . “I look forward to the possibilities when we combine the power of the beef checkoff with new and exciting research and technology coming from our state’s land grand university.”

The SDBIC collects the $1-per-head beef checkoff on cattle sold in South Dakota . Checkoff dollars are utilized strictly for promotion, education or research programs. At least 50 cents of every dollar is directed to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board for programs on the national level. The SDBIC can retain up to one-half for in-state programs.