SD Beef Producers Represented at Reno

PIERRE (January 29, 2008)—As cattle producers from across the country gather for the Cattle Industry Annual Meeting in Reno, Nev. February 6-9, South Dakota beef producers will have a strong voice at the Beef Checkoff table.
          Five representatives from the South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) have been appointed to serve on national committees that oversee a range of checkoff-funded programs. Their appointments, says SDBIC Executive Director Barry Jennings, can have a real impact as they weigh the most effective ways to invest the $1-per-head Beef Checkoff.
          “South Dakotans are serving on committees that have the greatest power to meet our mission of increasing consumer demand for beef in South Dakota, nationally and internationally—and most importantly, to improve profit opportunities for the state’s beef producers,” says Jennings.
          Traveling to Reno will be SDBIC President Bob Fortune, Belvidere (Product Enhancement), Roger Gerdes, Miller (Advertising), Becky Walth, Glenham (Human Nutrition Research Chair), Mike Stahly, Cavour (Issues Management) and Barry Jennings, Pierre (International Markets). In addition, three South Dakotans who serve on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board will also serve on committees: Merrill Karlen, Jr., Oacoma (International Markets), Myron Williams, Wall (Youth Education and Information), Ed Blair, Vale (Human Nutrition Research), and Allen Walth, Glenham (Nutrition Influencers).
          Jennings, who will be attending his first Cattle Industry Annual Meeting as SDBIC Executive Director, says he’s not surprised that South Dakotans were placed in strategic positions. “Historically our producers have been appointed very high profile committee assignments,” says Jennings. “It speaks to the strength of leadership, knowledge, and experience shown by our directors throughout the years.”
          During the three-day event, committee members will review and analyze the cost and effectiveness of current programs, as well as consider new initiatives. Their recommendations will then be considered by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, which approves the annual budget for national checkoff-funded programs. CBB members are appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
          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.