Prime Promoters to Be Honored
at Beef Council Annual Meeting

 PIERRE (September 18, 2006)—The South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) will be honoring the 2006 Prime Promoters of Beef and two special award winners during the organization’s annual meeting and Prime Promoter luncheon on Saturday, October 7.

The Prime Promoter recognition of businesses, individuals or organizations which go the extra mile in promoting beef is presented each year as part of the annual meeting. The event is held on the South Dakota State University (SDSU) campus as part of the SDSU Beef Bowl activities.

            The SDBIC annual meeting convenes at 9 a.m. in The Market area of the SDSU Student Union. Officers of the organization, which collects and administers the $1-per-head beef checkoff in South Dakota , will be elected. There will also be an election of national directors.

 In addition, SDBIC directors will approve a 2007 budget and discuss other business related to promotion, research or educational projects which can be funded with checkoff dollars. The SDBIC retains up to 50 cents of the $1-checkoff collected on each beef animal sold in South Dakota for in-state projects and forwards the remaining funds to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, where it is used on national programs.

            The Prime Promoters luncheon begins at 11:45 a.m. This year, the Tailgate Restaurant of Huron and Neal Ruhd, cattle producer and beef promoter from Clear Lake , S.D. , will be honored for their contributions in promoting beef and the beef industry. They join a long list of Prime Promoters throughout the years. Last year’s Prime Promoters were Aberdeen Livestock Sales Co., Chamberlain Kiwanis Club, and David King, Platte .

           Governor Mike Rounds will be given a special Friend of South Dakota Beef Award for his role in developing the South Dakota Certified™ Beef Program. Amanda Nolz will receive a Distinguished Service award for her contributions as National Beef Ambassador this past year.
           “I invite the state’s beef producers to attend both the annual meeting and the luncheon,” says Roger Gerdes, SDBIC president. “It’s an excellent opportunity to see how your beef checkoff dollars are working through in-state checkoff programs, and to honor those who are working hard to promote our product.” Those wishing to attend the luncheon need to make reservations by calling the SDBIC office in Pierre at 605-224-4722 prior to the day of the event.

            The annual Beef Bowl activities include a 4:30 p.m. Beef Bowl Barbecue and a 7 p.m. SDSU Jacks vs. Central Arkansas football game at Coughlin–Alumni Stadium.

            The SDBIC is comprised of representatives from eight agricultural organizations: SD Beef Breeds Council, SD Cattlemen’s Association, SD Cattlemen’s Auxiliary, SD CattleWomen, SD Farm Bureau, SD Farmers Union, SD Livestock Market Association, and SD Stockgrowers Association.