Rock Hills Ranch

Leadership

Meet the folks behind South Dakota Beef Industry Council.

Board of Directors

How it works:

Each agricultural organization appoints three members to be a Council Director to represent their organization. Each Director serves a three-year term and is appointed by the membership organization every three years. The representatives from each organization shall serve three-year staggered terms.

Function of a Director:

The primary role of a Council Director is to serve the Council and the beef industry. They should represent their appointing organization but must incorporate those philosophies into the greater interests of the SD Beef Industry Council. Specifically, a Director on the Council shall serve to:

  • Set organization policy
  • Identify and establish program goals and budget priorities
  • Approve the budget
  • Serve on committees
  • Approve projects
  • Represent the Council at meetings when required
  • Report to the constituent organization the actions of the Council
  • Present constituent organization recommendations.

About the Board of Directors:

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

Our South Dakota Board of Directors:

South Dakota Livestock Market Association

  • Christina Christensen, Kimball
  • Casey Perman, Mobridge
  • Rick Woehlhaf, Watertown

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association

  • Raydelle Sperle, Buffalo
  • JT Rickenbach, Oelrichs
  • Randy Volmer, Owanka 

South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation

  • Josh Geigle, Wall
  • Kent VanderWal, VP, Bruce
  • Mike Gebhart, Meadow

South Dakota Cattlemen's Association

  • Marshall Edleman, Willow Lake 
  • Carl Sanders, President, Oral
  • Katie Mauch, Pierre

South Dakota Cattlemen's Auxiliary

  • Kelsey Geraets, Treasurer, Humboldt
  • Meagen Fischer, Centerville
  • Emily Peterson, Highmore

South Dakota Cattlewomen

  • Katrin Van Zandbergen, Kennebec
  • Danielle Kartak, Colome
  • Erin Yost, Gann Valley

South Dakota Beef Breeds Council

  • Chris Effling, Highmore
  • Justin Uhrig, New Underwood
  • Amy Blum, Chamberlain 

South Dakota Farmers Union

  • David Reis, Oacoma
  • Oren Lesmeister, Parade
  • Lance Perrion, Ipswich 

Our National Directors:

Cattlemen's Beef Promotion & Research Board

  • Veabea Thomas, Harold
  • Larry Stomprud, Mud Butte
  • David Uhrig, Hermosa
  • Oren Lesmeister, Parade

Federation of State Beef Councils

  • Emily Peterson, Highmore
  • Amy Blum, Reliance
  • Josh Geigle, Wall

U.S. Meat Export Federation

  • JT Rickenbach, Oelrichs 
  • David Reis, Oacoma
  • Marshall Edleman, Willow Lake

Meet the Staff

The South Dakota Beef Industry Council staff proudly serves South Dakota's cattle farmers and ranchers through education, promotion and community engagement to demonstrate the value of the beef industry in South Dakota. We also engage in activities that demonstrate that not only is beef delicious, but it's also a powerful ally in building healthy bodies, thriving communities and a strong economy for South Dakota.

Jon Dilworth

Executive Director

Responsible for management of staff, producer communications and oversight of all checkoff programs, activities and functions of the South Dakota Beef Industry Council.

Contact Jon

Amanda Kammerer

Director of Communications and Marketing

Responsible for media communications, social media and marketing materials.

Contact Amanda

Holly Swee, RD, LN

Director of Nutrition

Responsible for recommending, developing, and implementing nutrition education programs and content that supports beef in a healthful lifestyle.

Contact Holly
Rock Hills Ranch

Emily Woockman

Industry Relations and Compliance Manager

Responsible for overseeing Beef Checkoff compliance, fostering strong relationships with producers and industry stakeholders.

Contact Emily