Miller Cattleman Elected President of Beef Council
	Cutline: New SDBIC officers are, left to right, Vice President Bob Fortune, President Roger Gerdes , and Secretary/Treasurer Berwyn Baine.

PIERRE (September 27, 2005)— Roger Gerdes , a Miller, S.D. rancher and former agricultural instructor, was elected president of the South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) during the organization’s annual meeting September 24 in Brookings.

Gerdes, who represents the South Dakota Beef Breeds Council on the SDBIC, replaces Nancy Montross, DeSmet beef producer who stepped down after completing two one-year terms as president. Gerdes has served as chairman of the SDBIC Budget Committee, past chairman of the organization’s Research Committee and serves on the Joint Advertising Committee as a representative of the Federation of State Beef Councils Division of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). He was also re-elected National Director to the NCBA.

            Elected SDBIC vice president was Bob Fortune, a Belvidere rancher and representative from the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association. Fortune serves on the SDBIC Budget and Beef Bowl/Prime Promoter committees. Berwyn Bain, Frederick beef producer and representative from the South Dakota Farmers Union, was elected secretary/treasurer. Baines serves on the Research and Beef Bowl/Prime Promoter committees.

            In other business, the SDBIC directors approved a $3.26-million-budget, including dollars designated for both in-state and national beef promotion, education and research programs. The SDBIC collects the $1-per-head checkoff on cattle sold in South Dakota . It can retain up to 50 cents of that $1 to be utilized in-state. The remaining funds are funds are sent to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board (CBB).

            During a luncheon at the annual meeting, the SDBIC honored Ralph and Maxine Jones, Midland , S.D. ranchers, and Gary and Donna Sharp, Bath , S.D. beef and dairy producers, with a Special Recognition Award.

            Also honored were the 2005 Prime Promoters. Each year the SDBIC recognizes individuals, organizations or businesses for their efforts in promoting beef. This year, Aberdeen Livestock Sales Company, the Chamberlain Kiwanis Club and David King of Platte , were recognized with the luncheon and a plaque.

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