Water Bank Program Applications due by June 30, 2017 - Thursday, June 15, 2017
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, Huron, SD, June 15, 2017–The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) serving South Dakota announces the application period for funding consideration in Fiscal Year 2017 for the Water Bank Program (WBP) is open until June 30, 2017. The purposes of WBP include (1) preserving and improving major wetlands as habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife, (2) conserving surface waters, (3) reducing soil and wind erosion, (4) contributing (full story)
NCBA Hails Final Agreement That Clears Way For U.S. Beef's Return to China For First Time Since 2003 - Thursday, June 15, 2017
Craig Uden, president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) announcement that it has reached a final agreement with Chinese officials on a deal that will allow U.S. producers to begin beef exports to China for the first time since 2003: "NCBA commends the leadership of President Trump and our skilled negotiators who were able to restore U.S. beef access to China, somet (full story)
Beef Council Meeting Scheduled for June 26 - Thursday, June 8, 2017
PIERRE- Directors and staff of the South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) will meet June 26 at Drifters Event Center in Fort Pierre for various committee meetings, as well as the organization's full board of directors' quarterly meeting. Committee meetings will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the quarterly board meeting at 12:30 p.m. Directors will be receiving reports from staff, those serving on the U.S. Meat Export Federation as well as hear an update from SDBIC Director (full story)
Team BEEF SD On the Move in Deadwood - Thursday, June 8, 2017
PIERRE, SD - Thousands of runners converged on Deadwood this past weekend as they showed up in full force to run the 2017 Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon/Half Marathon. The race sported over 2,900 runners as the largest "trail" marathon in North America. Participants came from 46 different states as well as Canada, Bolivia, Germany, and Switzerland. South Dakota beef producers were thrilled to see approximately 20 Team BEEF SD runners amongst them. Team BEEF (full story)
Team BEEF SD Cyclists Participate in RASDAK - Thursday, June 8, 2017
PIERRE, SD - Ride Across South Dakota (RASDAK), a week-long event, kicked off on Sunday, June 4, 2017 at the Central States Fairgrounds in Rapid City, SD with over 175 cyclists. As riders toured the Black Hills area a few new faces were seen. Team BEEF SD added cycling to the program this year and is excited about amplifying beef promotion through this audience. South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) director of nutrition and Team BEEF SD coordinator Holly Swee states (full story)
The 2017 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting registration is now open! - Thursday, June 8, 2017
The 2017 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting registration is now open! Join us in Denver, Colorado July 12-15, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Downtown Denver! Discuss current issues (full story)
CORRECTION: GFP News: Prairie Dog Control - Thursday, June 8, 2017
Prairie Dog Control Programs Available through August 15 PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Departments of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) and Agriculture (SDDA) want to remind South Dakota ranchers and producers to contact either department regarding prairie dog encroachment issues. “Assistance is available to private landowners through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks until Aug. 15 to help control prairie dogs that have encroached onto private land from adjacent public lan (full story)
Document the Drought: USDA U.S. Drought Monitor Offers Producers a Voice to Report Drought Impacts - Thursday, June 8, 2017
The U.S. Drought Monitor’s reporting feature offers producers an opportunity to submit drought impact and condition reports. The USDA, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, produced the U.S. Drought Monitor to include a reporting feature that allows producers to report local drought impacts and conditions. The report allows producers to: Provide a written description of drought impacts (full story)
NCBA Update - Thursday, May 25, 2017
NCBA Update May 19, 2017.pdf (full story)
REMINDER: Deadline Approaching for BQA Award Nominations - Thursday, May 25, 2017
Nominations for the 2018 national Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Awards are due by June 2, 2017. The beef checkoff-funded program, now in its 12th year, recognizes five winners in the areas of beef and dairy beef production, marketing and education. Categories for the award are: BQA Cow-Calf, BQA Feedyard and BQA Dairy (full story)
Beef Producers Capitalize on New York Partnership - Thursday, May 25, 2017
PIERRE, SD - South Dakota beef producers are utilizing a long-standing partnership with the New York Beef Council to reach East Coast consumers with a positive beef message. Each year, the New York Farm Tour brings consumer influencers to rural areas. This year two South Dakota beef producers will help provide insight into modern beef production in the more wide-open spaces of the Midwest. "The sheer size and scope of some of our beef operations in places like South Dakota can (full story)
Ibotta Mobile App Campaign a Huge Success for Beef Industry - Friday, May 19, 2017
Federation of State Beef Council Reserve Fund Investment Generates Multiple Benefits CENTENNIAL, COLO. (May 15, 2017) – Nationwide sales of fresh beef at retail got a boost earlier this year as the result of a beef industry partnership with the mobile rebates app Ibotta. The partnership also significantly increased consumer engagements with beef through videos, recipes and messages on the app. Overall, the Federation of State Beef Councils of the National Cattlemen&rsquo (full story)
BEEF COUNCIL WORKS WITH RETAILERS TO CELEBRATE MAY BEEF MONTH - Friday, May 12, 2017
PIERRE, SD - Retailers are prime partners for South Dakota's beef producers, and during this May Beef Month, the South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) has partnered with retailers throughout the state on beef promotions. The SDBIC provided participating retailers with a beef bundle promotion kit including beef, beef promotional items, consumer beef education and recipes, as well as access to a new online retail toolkit. "We greatly appreciate the expertise and educati (full story)
SOUTH DAKOTA CATTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF 2017 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - Friday, May 12, 2017
Sioux Falls, South Dakota – May 11, 2017. Members of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation recently invited students throughout South Dakota to apply for their scholarship program that they launched in 2016. This scholarship program was established by the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation to identify and reward youth who have demonstrated a sincere interest in the growth of the beef industry in South Dakota. Funds raised at the Fourth Annual Prime Time Gala & Concert (full story)
Don't Forget to Register - Cattlemen's Webinar Series - Business Planning 101 - Friday, May 12, 2017
Business planning. Does that sound boring, scary, or bureaucratic? Nope, it's smart and doable. In the busy day of a manager, it's easy for what's urgent to crowd out what's important. Take the time to study your business--and identify how, when, and with what people and resources you'll reach your goals. This webinar will explain the different types of business planning, ranging from strategic to tactical, and when you use each. Then we'll dig into some methods and examples to show you how to get started. Davon Cook of Ag Progress works with farm and ranch businesses to navigate through transitions-transitions from generational changes in management or ownership, or transitions while building the organization's team and abilities during growth. In addition to working with individual clients, Ag Progress facilitates peer groups and an agriculture executive education program, The Progress Coach . Davon's entire career has spanned agriculture, ranging from co-managing her family's cotton gin, to ConAgra and McKinsey & Company, to international ag development in Africa with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She has seen the need for, and execution, of good planning in all those environments. Learn more about Davon and Ag Progress at www.agprogress.com . (full story)
NRCS State Technical Committee to Meet May 16 in Fort Pierre - Friday, May 12, 2017
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, Huron, SD, May 3, 2017–The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will hold the State Technical Committee (STC) Meeting on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at the Drifters Event Center located at 325 Hustan Avenue, Fort Pierre, SD. The meeting is open to the public and will begin at 10 a.m. The STC serves as an advisor to the NRCS State Conservationist. The tentative agenda for the meeting includes a presentation on some (full story)
BEEF COUNCIL ON THE MOVE DURING MAY BEEF MONTH - Friday, May 12, 2017
PIERRE, SD - Today Gov. Dennis Daugaard signed the proclamation officially declaring May as Beef Month in South Dakota. The South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) works closely with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture each year to organize the proclamation. This work kicks off a month-long celebration, and your beef council is on the move across the state promoting beef. "We appreciate Gov. Daugaard taking the time to recognize our beef producers and the incredi (full story)
Gov. Daugaard Proclaims May as Beef Month - Thursday, May 4, 2017
PIERRE, S.D – Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed a proclamation declaring May as “Beef Month” once again this year in South Dakota. There are 3.85 million head of cattle in South Dakota, which is nearly five beef animals to every state resident. Nationally, South Dakota ranks fifth for the size of the calf crop and number of beef cows. “With May as Beef Month, I’m going to have a hard time eating more beef because I eat a lot of it and (full story)
Managing changing markets — Attend CattleFax Trends+ webinar - Thursday, May 4, 2017
Register Now for Cow/Calf Webinar Sign up for a free webinar sponsored by Elanco on Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. CST The wave-like decline and growth pattern of the cattle industry has everyone wondering if we’ve passed the lows of the year. The upcoming CattleFax ® webinar will address this matter (full story)
DEADLINE EXTENDED: NCBA, PLC Accepting Fall Law Clerk Applications - Thursday, May 4, 2017
WASHINGTON (May 2, 2017) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C., has extended the law clerk application deadline for the 2017 fall semester. The new deadline to submit an application for the position is June 1, 2017. NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall said that the law clerk position is a great opportunity for students with an interest in legislation and regu (full story)
State Technical Committee Meeting Notification - Thursday, May 4, 2017
STC Meeting Notification 5.16.17.pdf (full story)
Death Tax Survey - Thursday, May 4, 2017
Complete the Death Tax Survey Tell your story and help us permanently repeal the death tax The death tax is a failed economic policy and is in direct conflict with the desire to preserve and protect our nation's family-owned farms and ranches. Each year livestock producers are forced to make tough choices and expend limited resources for estate tax planning purposes rather than investing in their operation. Furthermore, it is all too often that (full story)
DENR Reissues General Permit for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations - Wednesday, April 26, 2017
PIERRE, S.D. – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced today the General Water Pollution Control Permit for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations has been reissued and is now effective. There are 429 livestock operations covered under the existing general permit for concentrated animal feeding operations. “While the existing permit has been successful in protecting water quality in South Dakota, those operations now have (full story)
GFP Extends Timeframe for Deer Hunter Feedback on Management Plan - Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Due to the overwhelming response and interest by the public, the GFP Commission has provided additional time for public review and comment on the South Dakota White-Tailed Deer and Mule Deer Management Plan. The new deadline for comments is May 5. A new document that has recently been created that outlines the new management objectives and strategies and how the public comments received will be considered for administrative rule change. The plan will be considered for adoption by the (full story)
Bovine Tuberculosis Found in Butte County - Wednesday, April 26, 2017
PIERRE, SD – State and Federal animal health officials have identified two additional cases of bovine tuberculosis (TB) during follow-up investigation after the disease was initially found in a Harding County beef herd in late February. Single infected animals were found in two herds, located in Harding and Butte Counties. Both herds had received the infected cows from the index herd within the past two years. The affected herds remain under quarantine whil (full story)
Mediation Services Available for Farmers and Ranchers - Wednesday, April 26, 2017
PIERRE, S.D.- The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Mediation Program is available for farmers and ranchers in financial distress. “The Agricultural Mediation Program has been around since the 1980s; although it has evolved over the years and added additional areas to mediate,” says Nina Fromm, mediation specialist for SDDA. “Mediation is a great way to resolve disputes outside of the court system by providing a neutral third party mediator (full story)
STUDENTS SHOWCASE COOKING SKILLS AT BEEF IT UP COOKOFF CHALLENGE - Wednesday, April 26, 2017
PIERRE, SD - Youth are the next generation of beef consumers, which makes them a key audience for the South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC). Recently the SDBIC teamed up with the Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) for the Beef It Up Cookoff Challenge. The cooking contest requires students to create a quick and easy beef main dish with the goal of educating students on beef nutrition, as well as preparation techniques and beef's versatility. The contest (full story)
South Dakota’s Deer Management Plan Available for Review until May 5 - Wednesday, April 26, 2017
PIERRE, S.D. – The public still has time to review the draft South Dakota White-Tailed Deer and Mule Deer Management Plan for 2017-2023. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) has extended the public comment period until May 5. “Due to the overwhelming response and interest by the public, the GFP Commission has provided this additional time for public review and comment," stated Chad Switzer, wildlife program administrator. “In addition, an overview of the draft plan (full story)
May CattleFax Webinar to Address Expectations for Cow-Calf Producers - Thursday, April 13, 2017
CENTENNIAL, CO — April 12, 2017 — Have the lows been established for the cattle industry? With the magnitude of the breaks and rallies that we have experienced across the entire cattle industry thus far that question is on everyone’s mind. An upcoming free CattleFax webinar will address that question as well as provide an outlook for the cow-calf and entire beef industry for 2017. The CattleFax Trends+ Cow-Calf Webinar will be May 24, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. MT. To parti (full story)
Noem Outlines Agriculture’s Tax Reform Priorities - Thursday, April 13, 2017
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Noem Outlines Agriculture’s Tax Reform Priorities Congresswoman shares tax ideas with House Ag Committee Washington, D.C. – Rep. Kristi Noem today outlined tax reform priorities for farmers and ranchers during a House Agriculture Committee hearing. Watch Rep. Noem’s Remarks Link to YouTube – Link to Download Noem highlighted efforts (full story)
Prevention of Bovine Trichomoniasis - Thursday, April 13, 2017
PIERRE, SD – South Dakota State Veterinarian Dr. Dustin Oedekoven reminds cattle producers to comply with animal health regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of bovine trichomoniasis. Trichomonas foetus is a reproductive disease of cattle. It is transmitted between cows and bulls during breeding, and can result in early term abortions. Producers are often unaware of the disease until it is well established in the herd. Signs that the (full story)
May 1 Deadline for Brand Rerecording or Registration - Wednesday, April 5, 2017
PIERRE, S.D.- Brand owners in South Dakota whose brand or brands were cancelled in May of 2015, have until May 1, 2017 to rerecord their brands. The last renewal period was in 2015. Any brand registration in 2015 that was not renewed and paid for has been cancelled. The brand owner does have two years following the renewal period to rerecord their brand. The rerecord and registration fee of $125.00 must be paid by May 1, 2017. The next brand renewal period is January (full story)
USDA’s NRCS Offering Renewal Options for Expiring Conservation Stewardship Program Contracts - Wednesday, April 5, 2017
WASHINGTON, March 30, 2017 – Acting Deputy Agriculture Secretary Michael Young today announced that a contract renewal sign-up is underway for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), USDA’s largest working lands conservation program with more than 80 million acres enrolled. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) made several updates to the popular program last fall. These changes help producers better evaluate conservation options (full story)
CONSUMER RESOURCES HIGHLIGHT REDESIGNED BEEF WEBSITE - Wednesday, April 5, 2017
PIERRE, SD - Digital communication is a key tool in the South Dakota Beef Industry Council's (SDBIC) consumer education and outreach efforts. It's also vital to the SDBIC's work with the state's beef producers and industry partners. Now, the SDBIC has a redesigned website which offers easy access for all, to all things beef. "We're thrilled to have this resource now available for our consumers and producers," said Amanda Bacon, Director of Communications. "This has (full story)
EPA Administrator to Cattlemen: “You Care Deeply About Clean, Healthy Environment” - Wednesday, April 5, 2017
WASHINGTON (March 30, 2017) – U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt addressed cattlemen and women at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association annual legislative conference today in Washington D.C. In his remarks, Administrator Pruitt said he is working to build a partnership between the agency and the men and women who serve as the stewards of our natural resources. “In Oklahoma, I saw first-hand that cattlemen care deeply about a clean and healthy environment (full story)
U.S. Beef Industry to President Trump: Please Help Get U.S. Beef Back into China - Wednesday, March 29, 2017
WASHINGTON (March 27, 2017) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association today sent a coalition letter to President Donald Trump, urging him to raise the restoration of U.S. beef access to China when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April. Leaders from the U.S. Meat Export Federation and the North American Meat Institute also signed the letter. American beef producers have been denied access to China – a $2.6 billion import market -- since 2003. Last fall (full story)
BE ACTIVE AND BEEF BALANCED WITH THE SOUTH DAKOTA BEEF INDUSTRY COUNCIL MOVE INTO MAY FIT FRIDAY CHALLENGE - Wednesday, March 29, 2017
PIERRE, SD - Simple, everyday choices we make can help us live happier and healthier lives. That's why the South Dakota Beef Industry Council is launching a fun incentive program for the whole family designed to encourage everyone in their efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle with beef. The Fit Friday Challenge is part of the Move into May Campaign leading up to the celebration of May Beef Month. Each Friday from Fri., March 31 - Fri., May 26, share a photo to the SDBIC Facebook (full story)
Cattlemen Call on USDA to Withdraw Damaging GIPSA Rules - Wednesday, March 29, 2017
WASHINGTON (March 24, 2017) – Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association called on USDA to withdraw the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Act interim final and proposed rules, collectively labeled with the misleading title, Farmer Fair Practices Rules. Craig Uden, NCBA president, said the rules stand to threaten market incentives, the quality of American beef the industry is known for, and will ultimately cost $954 million to the cattle industry. (full story)
Animal Disease Traceability Public Meetings Schedule - 2017 - Wednesday, March 29, 2017
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in collaboration with local State Animal Health Officials, is hosting seven public meetings across the country this spring to discuss animal disease traceability (ADT) with the primary focus of traceability in the cattle and bison sectors. The initial ADT framework contained basic traceability components and was supported by the January 2013 regulation, “Traceability for Livestock (full story)
Climate Update Predicts Wetter Than Average April - Wednesday, March 29, 2017
BROOKINGS, S.D. - April is more likely to be wetter than average, according to a climate outlook released March 16, 2017 by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center. "Of anywhere in the United States, the highest likelihood of wetter conditions is in our area," said Laura Edwards, SDSU Extension State Climatologist. "There is a bulls-eye in eastern South Dakota that is projected to have wetter conditions than average in April. (full story)
CALL TO ACTION: Submit Comments on the Proposed GIPSA Rule by FRIDAY - Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Late last fall, USDA acknowledged the agency would continue the rulemaking process on the 2010 Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Act (GIPSA) proposed rules. The proposed rulemaking was initially undertaken in 2010 and quickly defunded by Congress, which recognized them as a flawed concept that limits producers’ marketing options while adding layers of bureaucracy and opening the door to litigation. SDCA was stringently opposed to the rules in 2010 and we remain concerned about the (full story)
Member Benefit - Wednesday, March 15, 2017
The Cow-Calf Council has graciously agreed to cover ½ of the $300 tuition for any SDCA member that would like to attend any of these lectureships. Note, there is a Genetics lectureship scheduled in Rapid City on May 11-12. To take advantage of this offer, please submit a copy of your lectureship registration confirmation to our office (email office@sdcattlemen.org or mail to the address below) and we will get you reimbursed. Please contact the office with any quest (full story)
FARMERS FEEDING FAMILIES MARCH 30th - Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Each year during March, we take time to celebrate National Ag Week and the delicious foods that farmers produce. Unfortunately although we produce an abundance of food, 1 in 8 people in our state are at risk of going hungry. That's why we are taking time to make sure that food is getting to those that need it most. On Thursday, March 30th we will prepare and serve a meal at The Banquet in Sioux Falls. If you are involved in agriculture, we need your help (full story)
South Dakota’s Deer Management Plan Available for Review - Wednesday, March 15, 2017
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) has completed a draft of the South Dakota White-Tailed Deer and Mule Deer Management Plan for 2017-2023 and is currently seeking review and comment from the public from now until April 16, 2017. This draft management plan provides a background on deer ecology, past management and research, challenges for balancing population levels between hunter and landowner desires, and objectives and strategies to guide deer managemen (full story)
Soil Health Workshop March 28th and March 29th with David Brandt - Wednesday, March 15, 2017
You are invited to a Free Soil Health Workshop featuring Ohio Farmer David Brandt it will be held in Comfrey MN on March 28 th and in Marshall MN on March 29th. http://www.mnglca.org/events.html (full story)
Water Quality and Beef Sustainability – Producer Survey - Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Dear Beef Producer, Water quality is important to sustainable beef production. Every day beef producers implement practices that improve water quality, reduce nutrients in surface waters, or have positive impacts on water quality through land use and pasture and range management. Some of these practices are encouraged through cost share programs by the USDA, but many others are implemented for a variety of other reasons. To characterize water quality managem (full story)
NRCS SD Extended Signup Deadline for EQIP Soil Health Initiative - Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Batching Date is Extended to April 21, 2017 NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, Huron, SD, March 2, 2017–USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in South Dakota is extending the signup for the Statewide Soil Health Initiative for the purpose of integating livestock back into production systems to maximize soil health benefits. The application batching date is extended to April 21, 2017. Landowners and producers are encou (full story)
Online Beef University: Beef up on Beef - Wednesday, March 8, 2017
BROOKINGS, S.D. - SDSU Extension encourages South Dakota cattle producers to participate in Beef University, a new online learning opportunity provided through the National Beef Checkoff. "This is an excellent learning opportunity for beef producers to learn more about the product they produce," said B. Lynn Gordon , Assistant Professor & SDSU Extension Agricultural Leadership Specialist. "Or, they can simply take this course to brush up on production facts, beef labeling issues, bee (full story)
Tuberculosis Found in South Dakota Cattle - Friday, March 3, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, March 2, 2017 Contact: Dustin Oedekoven, DVM, State Veterinarian 605-773-3321 Tuberculosis Found in South Dakota Cattle PIERRE, SD. – Bovine tuberculosis (TB) has been confirmed in a South Dakota beef herd. State Veterinarian Dr. Dustin Oedekoven says that the suspect animals were initially identified in February by meat inspectors during routine slaughter inspection of otherwise healthy (full story)
KRIRM Expands Lectureship Outreach to Oklahoma, Montana, and South Dakota - Friday, March 3, 2017
News from KRIRM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE KRIRM Expands Lectureship Outreach to Oklahoma, Montana, and South Dakota KINGSVILLE, TEXAS (March 3, 2017)— The King Ranch®Institute for Ranch Management (KRIRM) will hold three off-site lectureships in 2017, expanding from the events held in Kingsville, Texas, to Oklahoma, Montana, and South Dakota. Traditionally, all the lectureships offered are held in Kingsville, Texas. However, as the lectureships grew in attendance numbers and expanded in topics, the decision to host events in other ranching states (in addition to the events held in Kingsville) was the next logical step in KRIRM’s outreach mission to offer the highest quality lectureships and symposia to ranching industry stakeholders. In May of 2017, KRIRM will partner with Montana State University Extension and South Dakota State University West River Ag Center to offer the Application of Advanced Genetic Technology in Beef Cattle. Two sessions will be held: May 8-9, 2017, in Bozeman, Mont., and May 11-12, 2017, in Rapid City, South Dakota. In early 2016 when this lectureship was held for the first time in Kingsville, a record lectureship attendance of more than 60 ranchers, landowners, and stakeholders from nine states and two countries attended to learn about genetic selection and evaluation innovations that have rapidly evolved over the years. Beef cattle experts Dr. Bob Weaber and Dr. Matt Spangler instructed the lectureship, helping attendees to build and apply their knowledge of genetic advancements in the real world of seedstock and commercial cattle production. Both Weaber and Spangler will return as instructors for the lectureships offered in Montana and South Dakota. The third lectureship held off-site will be the Human Resource Management for Ranchers lectureship in Ardmore, Okla. June 9-10, 2017. This lectureship will be held in partnership with The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation , an independent, non-profit organization that strives to advance agricultural science and practice through field and laboratory research, and through consultation to farmers, ranchers, and land managers in the Southern Great Plains. The human resource management lectureship will offer attendees training in workforce planning and employee management, and is designed to build the skill set of ranch managers so they can more effectively plan for, understand, and lead current and future employees of the ranch. In 2016, the Strategic Planning Lectureship was the first KRIRM lectureship held out-of-state, and it offered a glimpse into the potential success of holding lectureships in more central regions of the country. The lectureship was held in partnership with the Noble Foundation at its campus in Ardmore. Because of its great success and positive feedback from the more than 42 ranchers and agriculturalists in attendance, the decision was made to host the Human Resource Management for Ranchers Lectureship with the Noble Foundation in 2017. “We believe partners like The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation in Oklahoma, the Extension Service at land grant universities, and potentially other organizations will be a key component to increase the outreach of KRIRM,” said Clay Mathis, Ph.D., director and endowed chair of KRIRM. Registration to the genetic technology and human resource management lectureships is $300 for each event, which includes all workbook materials, equipment, refreshments, and meals. More information about each lectureship—including the agendas, learning objectives, and location information—can be found at krirm.tamuk.edu/lectureships /, or call the KRIRM office at 361-593-5401. (full story)
Oklahoma Cattleman Testifies in Washington on Conservation Policy - said ‘Voluntary’ is key to making programs work for farmers and ranchers - Friday, March 3, 2017
WASHINGTON (Feb. 28, 2017) – Fifth-generation Oklahoma cattle rancher Chuck Coffey today testified on behalf of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association regarding the value of voluntary conservation efforts. Coffey testified at the U.S. House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry’s hearing to evaluate the effectiveness of conservation programs. “USDA’s conservation programs have been a great asset to cattle producers (full story)
The 3 Ds Strategy to Market U.S. Beef Worldwide - Friday, March 3, 2017
When the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), contractor to the beef checkoff, is making plans to increase the movement of U.S. beef into export markets, they keep a “3-D” strategy in mind: 1) Develop, 2) Displace and 3) Defend. That is, Develop new markets and new sectors in existing markets, Displace the competition, and Defend the U.S. market share against aggressive competition by other beef exporters worldwide. Developing New Beef Markets – A Case Study Develop (full story)
New Research Examines Beef Demand Indices - Friday, March 3, 2017
Beef demand is critical to understand and monitor as it directly influences overall beef industry prosperity. When beef demand strengthens, beef and cattle prices for the entire industry are higher than they otherwise would be, says Kansas State University Economist Glynn Tonsor. This highlights the clear economic value in accurately measuring beef demand. One way to do this is through construction of an index that provides an easy to understand, single-measure indicator of beef demand over (full story)
NRCS State Technical Committee to Meet March 8 in Huron - Friday, March 3, 2017
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, Huron, SD, February 17, 2017–The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will hold the State Technical Committee (STC) Meeting on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at the Crossroads Hotel and Convention Center located at 100 Fourth Street SW, Huron, SD. The meeting is open to the public and will begin at 10 a.m. The STC serves as an advisor to the NRCS State Conservationist. The tentative agenda for the meeting includes Turner (full story)
Producer Education Webinar - Thursday, February 16, 2017
Cattlemen's Webinar Series (full story)
Trump Urged To Start Trade Talks With Japan - Thursday, February 16, 2017
WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 7, 2017 – Ahead of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s state visit here, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the National Pork Producers Council urged President Trump to begin negotiations on a free and fair trade agreement with Japan. In a joint letter transmitted today to the White House, NCBA and NPPC asked the president “to initiate free trade agreement negotiations with nations in the Asia-Pacific region beginning (full story)
Commodity Price Stabilization Expected in 2017 - Thursday, February 16, 2017
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 2, 2017) – After a volatile year, stability is returning to global commodity markets, at least for the time being, said CattleFax CEO Randy Blach this morning during the popular CattleFax Outlook Session at the 2017 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. “After the ag market shocks of the past year and an approximate correction of 50 percent in all commodity markets, prices are beginning to stabilize,” said Blach. “That doesn&rsquo (full story)
Insider Shares Political Realities at Record-Breaking Cattle Industry Convention - Thursday, February 16, 2017
Dana Perino tells audience to “Expect the Unexpected” NASHVILLE, TENN. (Feb. 3, 2017) – Actions of the new administration are like “a dog on ice chasing a marble,” Dana Perino told an audience at the 2017 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 3. “You have to expect the unexpected.” Perino spoke to many of the more than 9,000 cattlemen and women at the event – a record number of attendees for (full story)
Record Attendance in Nashville as NCBA Members New Elect Officers - Thursday, February 16, 2017
NASHVILLE, TENN. (Feb. 4, 2017) – The 2017 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show wrapped up on Saturday with the election of Nebraska cattleman Craig Uden as the organization’s new president. More than 9,300 people attended this year’s convention, shattering the previous record of 8,200, to engage in grassroots policy process, hear from industry experts and attend the expansive tradeshow. Attendees enjoyed live music all week and closed the convention with a night (full story)
Producer Support Of Checkoff Softens, But Remains Strong - Thursday, February 16, 2017
An independent survey of producers found 69 percent continue to approve of the Beef Checkoff Program. Importantly, the more producers know about the program, the more supportive they are. The survey also found that producers are generally more optimistic about the cattle industry than they were a year ago. “We’ve all experienced a very challenging year, both within the industry and in other aspects of our lives,” says Jo Stanko, Investor Relations Working Group (IRWG (full story)
Beef Exports Increase U.S. Carcass Values - Thursday, February 16, 2017
Mouthwatering steaks, juicy burgers and delectable roasts. That’s what consumers here in the U.S. love. But what about the underutilized parts of the beef animal? If we don’t consume them here in the U.S., where do they go, and who uses them? “I think about the world of possibility and potential that’s floating out there , especially if we are able to gain access to China,” says Louisiana beef producer Amelia Kent. “This (full story)
SDSU Extension Releases 2017 Pest Management Guides Available - Thursday, February 16, 2017
BROOKINGS, S.D. - South Dakota 2017 Pest Management guides are available online as PDF downloads or as hard copies at SDSU Extension Regional Centers and SDSU Extension events. "The guides provide recommendations for herbicides, insecticides, seed treatments, and fungicides that are available in South Dakota for controlling weeds, insects, and diseases," explained Paul Johnson, SDSU Extension Weed Science Coordinator. The guides are available for the following (full story)
Commodity Price Stabilization Expected in 2017 - Thursday, February 2, 2017
BQA Certification Now Free, Online, 24/7 - Thursday, February 2, 2017
You read the headline right. The checkoff’s Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification is now always FREE online ! It’s a new interactive online experience that beef and dairy producers can sign up for and complete at their convenience. Why BQA? Because it tells consumers that you have a commitment to delivering a product that is backed by science-based standards. Certification also addresses many questions that consumers have about beef production. BQA ensures (full story)
State Animal Health Lab Bill Introduced - Thursday, February 2, 2017
PIERRE, S.D. – The Senate Appropriations Committee today introduced a bill on behalf of Gov. Dennis Daugaard to fund an upgrade and expansion to the state animal disease research and diagnostic laboratory. Located on the campus of South Dakota State University, the facility serves as the state animal health laboratory. The lab develops and conducts tests to identify animal diseases, creates new protocols to distinguish unique disease strains, and develops vaccine (full story)
SOUTH DAKOTA CATTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - Thursday, February 2, 2017
SDCF Call for Applications for Scholarship Program.pdf (full story)
Winter Livestock Integration Workshop - Thursday, February 2, 2017
Winter Feeding Strategies for Profitability and Soil Health.pdf (full story)
Selling U.S. Beef to the Rest of the World - Thursday, February 2, 2017
You know that the beef produced in the United States is delicious, nutritious and safe to eat. But did you know that consumers in more than 80 countries worldwide know that, too, thanks in part to your beef-checkoff investments? Foreign marketing of U.S. beef makes sense when you know that 95 percent of the global population – and 80 percent of the global buying power – is outside of U.S. borders. With the global population projected to nearly double by 2050, it’s easy (full story)
Cattlemen Hail Introduction of Legislation to Repeal Death Tax - Thursday, February 2, 2017
WASHINGTON (Jan. 25, 2017) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association today applauded the introduction of bipartisan legislation that would permanently kill the onerous death tax. The Death Tax Repeal Act of 2017 was introduced this week by U.S. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota and by U.S. Reps. Kristi Noem (R-SD) and Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) “As a fourth-generation cattle producer, I can attest that the death tax can wreak havoc with agricultural families, and it&rsquo (full story)
Registration Still Open for the 2017 Cattle Industry & NCBA Trade Show - Thursday, January 26, 2017
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER! Three days of exciting events and all the latest in Cattle Industryinformation and technology are just a click away !Full Registrations, Single Day Registrations and Trade Show Only Registrationsare available online oronsite. Visit the link below or stop by our registration booth in the Presidential Lobby of the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Resort in Nashville to join the fun ! (full story)
Federation Reinforces Beef Promotion - Thursday, January 26, 2017
CENTENNIAL, COLO. (January 18, 2017) – A successful campaign to drive nationwide sales of fresh beef at retail has resulted in the confirmed movement of more than 270,000 units of fresh ground beef in less than two weeks. Today, the Federation of State Beef Councils of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association approved an additional $300,000 to extend the partnership with the mobile rebates app Ibotta through the Super Bowl, giving consumers more reasons to purchase great tasting (full story)
Faulkton Bank President to Retire - Thursday, January 26, 2017
Faulkton, SD – After more than 40 years in banking and finance, Dwight Hossle, market president for Dacotah Bank in Faulkton, SD has announced his retirement. Hossle began his career as an agricultural lender with 1 st National Bank in Aberdeen, now Wells Fargo. He spent the past 35 years in Faulkton and will retire on April 15. Dwight grew up on a ranch near Winner, SD where he attended Winner High School, graduating in 1971. He attended Northern State University in Aberdee (full story)
Cattlemen Support Nomination of Gov. Perdue to Lead U.S. Department of Agriculture - Thursday, January 26, 2017
WASHINGTON (Jan.18, 2017) - Tracy Brunner, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association , today released the following statement in support of President-elect Trump’s nomination of former Gov. Sonny Perdue to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture: “Governor Perdue’s an excellent pick to head the Agriculture Department. As a lifelong agri-businessman and veterinarian, as well as the (full story)
GFP Offers Programs and Assistance to Landowners Experiencing Deer Damage - Thursday, January 26, 2017
PIERRE, S.D. - Deep snow and extreme temperatures left their mark across South Dakota in recent weeks, with the most severe areas located in north-central and western South Dakota. “These weather conditions have resulted in deer concentrating to form several large herds. With cover and food resources limited, deer herds move into farmyards and storage areas for protection from the weather and to feed,” said Keith Fisk, GFP’s wildlife damage program administrator. &ldq (full story)
Beef On Hand at NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo - Thursday, January 26, 2017
Checkoff staff was on hand during the nation’s largest, best-attended health & fitness expo in Washington D.C., Jan. 7-8. Hundreds of consumers from the Northeast started the New Year on a healthful note, thanks to a partnership between the national beef checkoff and the Kentucky and Virginia beef councils. Those attending the 24 th NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo were invited to participate in a variety of activities in the beef checkoff booth. Participants captured (full story)
Investing in Efforts to Export More U.S. Beef - Thursday, January 26, 2017
The market climate for U.S. beef producers today is not what anyone would hope for. But one bright spot – especially for the long term – is the growth opportunity for U.S. beef exports. Growing populations around the world are opening the door for exports that can make a real difference for cattle producers. More on that, as Brian Baxter reports from Louisiana. Please email Brian Baxter for a copy of the full broadcast version of this vid (full story)
NCBA/PLC Support Confirmation of Rep. Zinke for Secretary of Interior - Thursday, January 26, 2017
WASHINGTON (Jan. 16, 2017) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council released the following statements today in support of the confirmation of Congressman Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) for the Secretary of Interior: “During his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Zinke has consistently advocated for our western communities, economies, and ranchers,” said Tracy Brunner, NCBA president. “He has demanded transparency and (full story)
Keep It In the Family - Thursday, January 26, 2017
Keep It In the Family Angus University panel discusses ranch transition. by Kindra Gordon, field editor Three Angus families shared their stories of working through generational succession on their operations during a panel discussion hosted as part of the Angus University Workshops on Nov. 6. Kansas Angus breeders Mark Gardiner of Gardiner Angus Ranch, Ashland, and Paige Pratt of Johnson Farms LLC, Dwight, were joined by Donnell Brown of R.A. Brown Ranch based (full story)
What's Up with Your Beef Checkoff Program? - Friday, January 13, 2017
Interactive 2016 CBB annual report highlights results The 2016 Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) Annual Report now is available to provide results of Beef Checkoff Programs to the beef producers and importers who invest in this national self-help program. Located at http://2016annualreport.beefboard.org/ , the report is offered in electronic form only, though the publishing program allows for interactive examples of checkoff programs and conversion to a pdf document for (full story)
CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM SIGN-UP ENDS FEBRUARY 3 - Friday, January 13, 2017
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE HURON, SD. January 13, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has been accepting and processing applications since November for enrollment in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), the nation’s largest conservation program. NRCS has made several updates to the program this year to help producers better evaluate their conservation options and the benefits (full story)
Supreme Court Agrees to take EPA WOTUS Rule - Friday, January 13, 2017
WASHINGTON (Jan. 13, 2017) -- Scott Yager, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association environmental counsel, today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to grant the cert petition for the industry coalition lawsuit challenging the Environmental Protection Agency on its “waters of the United States” rule: “The Supreme Court’s decision to hear our appeal is a victory for America’s cattle producers and all private (full story)
A CATTLEMEN'S GUIDE TO THE VETERINARY FEED DIRECTIVE - Thursday, January 5, 2017
Concerns about the use of antibiotics in the feed of food animals was first expressed back in the 1960s. Since then there have been multiple reports and evaluations by different groups around the world. Our use of antibiotics to prevent, control, and treat bacterial disease in food animals is currently under great scrutiny, with pressure to describe and reduce our use. In 2003, the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine began to require the evaluation of the microbial safety of antibiotics that (full story)
Beef, Banking and Reality SDSU Extension Winter Cow/Calf Workshop - Thursday, January 5, 2017
CowCalf Meeting.pdf (full story)
5 observations about Tomi Lahren’s rant on COOL - Thursday, January 5, 2017
http://www.beefmagazine.com/communication/5-observations-about-tomi-lahren-s-rant-cool (full story)
Veterinary Feed Directive: You have questions? We have answers! - Thursday, January 5, 2017
With Jan. 1, 2017 quickly approaching, it is important that cattle producers understand what changes are coming from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). NCBA has developed several resources to inform and educate producers about the regulations and requirements regarding VFDs. NCBA’s Ant (full story)
Public Lands Council and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Comment on Endangered Species Coalition Report - Thursday, January 5, 2017
Summary: The Public Lands Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association today commented on the Endangered Species Coalition’s report on priorities for a new administration by adding a few concerns of its own. PLC and NCBA maintain that effective conservation is only achieved through balanced management and a focus on truly imperiled species – not those targeted by activist groups with a “zero human footprint” agenda. (full story)
Checkoff Study: Beef Maintains Favorable Tenderness Ratings - Thursday, January 5, 2017
Contact: Melissa Jackson, 308-697-3486; mjackson@sandboxww.com Favorable tenderness ratings for beef steaks, which have improved significantly since 1990, have remained steady over the past five years, recent research shows. This quality retention has occurred despite environmental and financial challenges that could have derailed its progress. The beef checkoff-funded 2015/2016 National Beef Tenderness Survey was conducted at Texas A&M University, which has surveyed beef tender (full story)
Cattlemen’s Organization Conducts Aggressive Membership Campaign - Friday, December 9, 2016
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Emphasizes ‘Tough Times Require a Tough Team’ DENVER, COLO. (Dec. 2, 2016) – A hard-hitting, two-month membership campaign is being conducted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association to strengthen the U.S. cattle producer’s voice in Washington, D.C. on issues critical to both individual cattlemen and women and the nation’s cattle industry. The “Tough Times Require a Tough Team” camp (full story)
Beef Dishes Shine at Sioux Falls Restaurant Crawl - Friday, December 9, 2016
Sioux Falls foodies enjoyed a terrific night of beef dishes and conversation with area beef producers on November 14. The progressive dinner included an appetizer at Prairie Berry East Bank, entrée at Crave, and dessert at Queen City Bakery. Thanks to the farmers and ranchers who joined us for the evening (full story)
Beef Industry’s Best, Brightest to Share Insights at Cattlemen’s College in Nashville Jan. 31 – Feb. 1 - Friday, December 9, 2016
Latest Research, Innovative Techniques will Improve Cattle Operations Leading authorities in the cattle industry will be sharing their experience and knowledge in Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 31 – Feb. 1, 2017, offering cattlemen and women practical information that can be turned into profit-building ideas at the 24 th annual Cattlemen’s College. The event, which kicks off the 2017 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, is sponsored by Zoetis and coordin (full story)
Strategic and Scenario Planning in Ranching to Weather the Storm - Friday, December 9, 2016
BROOKINGS, S.D. - Current markets have many South Dakota cattle producers asking, "How do we prepare for 2017 and weather this storm?" Strategic planning is one answer given by Sean Kelly, SDSU Extension Range Management Field Specialist. "Strategic planning is an often-used buzzword in the industry, that contains tools ranch managers can use to navigate through this time of uncertainty and market volatility," Kelly explained. Strategic and (full story)
SDSU Graduate Student Earns National Cattlemen's Foundation Scholarship - Friday, December 9, 2016
BROOKINGS, S.D. - Megan Webb, a South Dakota State University meat science graduate student, has been chosen as a recipient of the prestigious W.D. Farr Scholarship from the National Cattlemen's Foundation (NCF). Webb joined the Animal Science Department as a Graduate Research Assistant in January 2015 to pursue her Ph.D. While at SDSU, Webb has been involved in several meat science research projects focusing on the impacts of pre-harvest management on end-product quality. Her most recent (full story)
QUARTERLY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING SET FOR NOVEMBER - Monday, November 14, 2016
PIERRE, SD - The South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) board of directors and staff invite the public to attend the quarterly board meeting Mon., Nov. 21, 12:30 p.m. at the Ramkota Hotel River Centre in Pierre, SD in Gallery D/E. Directors will hear updates from staff, committee reports, the annual SDBIC independent audit report, and discuss programming for fiscal year 2017. All beef producers are welcome (full story)
SDSU Graduate Student Earns National Cattlemen's Foundation Scholarship - Monday, November 14, 2016
Deadline Approaching for 2016 National Beef Quality Audit Producer Survey - Friday, November 4, 2016
Contact: Melissa Jackson, 308-697-3486; mjackson@sandboxww.com Beef producers all across the country, from every segment of the industry, are being encouraged to participate in a survey that will help establish a benchmark and course for the beef industry for 2017 and beyond. The Producer Survey of the checkoff-funded 2016 (full story)
NCBA and PLC File Opening Brief in WOTUS Legal Battle - Friday, November 4, 2016
WASHINGTON (November 1, 2016) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council , along with other industry and municipal stakeholders, filed the opening brief today in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals calling for the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps’ “waters of the United States” rule to be invalidated. Tracy Brunner, NCBA president and Kansas cattle producer said (full story)
Federation Funds Promotions - Friday, November 4, 2016
Federation of State Beef Councils Earmarks $940,000 for New International, National Beef Demand-Building Efforts Executive Committee Acts Quickly to Address Cattle Market Challenges on Beef Side CENTENNIAL, COLO. (November 2, 2016) – Facing low cattle prices and increasing supplies of beef, and with strong encouragement from its state beef council partners, the Federation of State Beef Councils at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association will (full story)
Cattlemen's Webinar Series - Succession Planning - For Next-Gens Only! - Friday, November 4, 2016
*PLEASE NOTE ABOVE REVISION TO DATE* Are you working for the family farm/ranch and don't know what to expect for the future? You are not alone! This webinar will teach you the most important elements of succession planning. You will learn about, "The Family Farm System" and the questions that you should be asking as you progress as a leader. Do you want to get on the path to ownership or are you content with being a farm-hand? If ownership and responsibility are what you are after, you'll want to join us for this webinar. Dave Specht is the author of The Farm Whisperer. He is the Family Dynamics National Development Manager at Wells Fargo. His work was recently featured in The New York Times, Successful Farming Magazine, Drovers Cattle Network and Family Business Magazine. Dave was recognized as one of the 100 Fresh Perspectives Honorees by Farm Credit. He was the Coordinator of Family Business Programs at The University of Nebraska. Specht has gained international attention for his creation of the GenerationalBusiness360© process and a new mobile app called Inspired Questions-For Farmers. He lives in Basin City, WA with his wife and 5 children. (full story)
Reminder: Free BQA Certification Period Ends in Two Weeks! - Friday, November 4, 2016
Note: For questions about the online certification process, including technical issues, please contact Kelly Oliver at Kansas State University. The countdown continues for beef and dairy producers to become Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)-certified for free online through Nov. 13. As an added bonus, anyone who becomes certified during this period is eligible to win a prize package, courtesy of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. and the BQA program, funde (full story)
NRCS State Technical Committee to Meet November 10 in Ft. Pierre - Friday, November 4, 2016
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, Huron, SD, October 26, 2016–The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will hold the State Technical Committee (STC) Meeting on Thursday, November 10, 2016, at the Drifters Event Center located at 325 Hustan Ave, Fort Pierre, SD. The meeting is open to the public and will begin at 10 a.m. The STC serves as an advisor to the NRCS State Conservationist. The tentative agenda for the meeting includes SD Healthy Soils (full story)
Preparing for Changing Antibiotic Regulations - Friday, November 4, 2016
Recording Now Available (full story)
Habitat Pays: Knowing Your Options - Friday, November 4, 2016
Habitat Pays: Knowing Your Options Joint Column By: Secretary of Agriculture Mike Jaspers and Secretary of Game, Fish and Parks Kelly Hepler Our natural resources, the soil we grow our food in, the water we drink and the air we breathe are some of our most valuable resources. As South Dakota’s producers finish harvest and begin planning for next year, we encourage producers (full story)
USDA Moves Forward with Flawed GIPSA Rules - Friday, November 4, 2016
WASHINGTON (Oct. 14, 2016) – In a letter to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association , USDA acknowledged that the agency would continue the rulemaking process on the 2010 Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Act proposed rules. The proposed rulemaking was initially undertaken in 2010 and quickly defunded by Congress which recognized them as a flawed concept that limits producers’ marketing options while adding (full story)
Sage Grouse Management Plans Based on Inaccurate Science - Friday, November 4, 2016
WASHINGTON (Oct. 11, 2016) – One year after the announcement by the Department of Interior that a listing under the Endangered Species Act was not warranted for the greater sage grouse and the implementation of restrictive resource management plans for the species, the Public Lands Council and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association submitted a report to the agencies citing concerns with the methodology used. (full story)
Registration is open for SDCA Convention & Trade Show - Friday, November 4, 2016
Register today for the 68 th Annual SDCA Convention and Trade Show scheduled for November 29-December 1 at the Watertown Event Center & Ramkota. Educational and entertaining speakers will cover topics ranging from forage management to an economic outlook and the power of gratitude. Jodie Anderson, Executive Director for the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, noted, “A small investment of time to attend our 68 th Annual Convention and Trade Show (full story)
Registration Open for 2017 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show - Friday, October 7, 2016
DENVER (Oct. 4, 2016) – Registration and housing for the 2017 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show is now open. The 120th annual convention will be held in Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 1-3, 2017. Advanced registration is open until Jan. 4, 2017. Convention participants will hear from industry leaders, gather insight on industry trends, and enjoy an evening of stars and guitars at the Country Music Hall of Fame as well as an exclusive event (full story)
NCBA and PLC Accepting Applications for Spring Internships -Open Positions Include Public Policy Intern and Semester Law Clerk - Friday, October 7, 2016
WASHINGTON (Sept. 30, 2016) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C., is accepting applications for a 2017 Spring public policy intern as well as a semester law clerk. The deadline to submit an application for either position is Oct. 22, 2016. The internships give college students the opportunity to work alongside staff on a range of issues that impact U.S. cattlemen and women. (full story)
SD SRM Excellence in Range Management Tour - Selby, SD - Friday, October 7, 2016
SRM ERM Award Tour Doug Sieck Oct 11 2016.pdf (full story)
BEEF COUNCIL DIRECTORS APPROVE BUDGET AND ELECT OFFICERS FOR FY 2017 - Friday, October 7, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PIERRE, SD - The South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) board of directors held the organization's annual meeting Sat., Sept. 17 on the South Dakota State University (SDSU) campus. Directors approved a $3.39 million budget for fiscal year 2017. The SDBIC is responsible to collect and administer (full story)
SDCA IS HIRING A CONVENTION MARKETING INTERN - Friday, October 7, 2016
Convention Marketing Intern 9-16.pdf (full story)
NCF Accepting Applications for CME Beef Industry Scholarship - Thursday, September 29, 2016
DENVER (Sept. 27, 2016) - The National Cattlemen’s Foundation is now accepting applications for 2017-2018 beef industry scholarships sponsored by CME Group. Ten scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded to outstanding students pursuing careers in the beef industry. “The CME Beef Industry Scholarship represents an investment in the future of the cattle business. By helping the next generation of cattlemen and women further their education, CME Group is helping to adva (full story)
Doug Sieck honored for Excellence in Range Management - Thursday, September 29, 2016
BEEF COUNCIL DIRECTORS APPROVE BUDGET AND ELECT OFFICERS FOR FY 2017 - Thursday, September 29, 2016
PIERRE, SD - The South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) board of directors held the organization's annual meeting Sat., Sept. 17 on the South Dakota State University (SDSU) campus. Directors approved a $3.39 million budget for fiscal year 2017. The SDBIC is responsible to collect and administer the $1 beef checkoff on all cattle sold in South Dakota. The beef council is required to direct $0.50 of every dollar (full story)
Cattleman of The Year & Friend of SDCA Nominations Are Due September 30th! - Thursday, September 29, 2016
Cattleman of The Year and Friend of SDCA Nomination Forms (full story)
China Announces it Will Lift Ban on U.S. Beef - Thursday, September 22, 2016
WASHINGTON (Sept. 22, 2016) – Following a 13-year ban on U.S. beef exports to China, an announcement from the Chinese Government indicates they will begin accepting U.S. beef from animals under 30 months of age. “This is great news for U.S. beef producers,” said Kent Bacus, director of international trade for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association . “While these initial reports are positive, we must continue technical negotiations and undergo the pro (full story)
Congress Steps in to Address Continued Abuse of Antiquities Act - Thursday, September 22, 2016
WASHINGTON (Sept. 22, 2016) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council applaud Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) for taking substantive action on the continued abuse of the Antiquities Act of 1906. These common sense bills from Sen. Murkowski and Sen. Flake (R-Ariz.) are critical to addressing the deficiencies in the existing law. “The Antiquities Act of 1906 is simply too broad (full story)
Beef Checkoff Approves FY17 Plan of Work - Thursday, September 22, 2016
Contact: Diane Henderson, 303-867-6302; dhenderson@beefboard.org Operating Committee forced to make more than $5 million in cuts from proposals After being forced to make cuts of more than $5 million from proposed programs, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board will invest about $40.7 million into development and implementation of programs of beef promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing and producer communications in fiscal 2017, sub (full story)
Valuable Pocket Recordkeeping Tool for Cattle Producers Available - Thursday, September 22, 2016
NCBA’s 2017 Redbook Helps Ranchers Secure Efficient Recordkeeping DENVER (Sept. 19, 2016) – A pocket-sized recordkeeping tool that has been used by cattle producers for more than 30 years to enhance profitability will be available for the 2017 year starting Oct. 3, 2016 . The Integrated Resource Management (IRM) Redbook from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association helps (full story)
Allen and Becky Walth named 2016 SDSU Friends of the Beef Industry - Thursday, September 22, 2016
BROOKINGS, S.D. - Glenham, S.D. ranchers Allen and Becky Walth were recognized as the 2016 South Dakota State University Friends of the Beef Industry during the SDSU Beef Bowl football game in Brookings Sept. 17. Both SDSU alumni, the Walths were financial contributors to the new state-of-the-art SDSU Cow-Calf Education and Research Facility that was recently built to better enable research, teaching and extension. "SDSU gave us the education which has allowed us to build our (full story)
NRCS ANNOUNCES EQIP PROGRAM SIGNUP DEADLINE OCTOBER 21, 2016 - Thursday, September 22, 2016
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS), Huron, S.D., September 20, 2016– Applications for the popular Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) are batched annually for funding consideration. October 21, 2016, is the date by which an operator or landowner must sign an application at their local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 funding consideration, according to Jennifer Wurtz, EQIP Program coordinator, with the NRC (full story)
2017 NCBA Convention Intern Program - Apply today! - Thursday, September 22, 2016
A One-of-a-Kind Opportunity NCBA has an opportunity for students to assist with the 2017 NCBA Convention and Trade Show in Nashville. This Cattle Industry event boasts over 7,000 attendees and a trade show with more than 350 booths. Our intern positions provide a unique opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience (full story)
Senate Report Highlights EPA Enforcement of WOTUS Rule - Thursday, September 22, 2016
WASHINGTON (Sept. 20, 2016) – Today, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee released their report highlighting examples of EPA illegally asserting jurisdiction over features traditionally exempt from the Clean Water Act. Despite the fact that the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals continues their nationwide stay on enforcement of EPA’s “waters of the United States” final rule, the report demonstrates that EPA is in fact, enforcing the WOTUS rule and expandi (full story)
NCBA Takes Stand Against HSUS Attempt to Weaken Beef Checkoff - Thursday, September 22, 2016
WASHINGTON (Sept. 16, 2016) - The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association was recently notified that Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) attorneys have filed a lawsuit against USDA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) on behalf of the Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM). This lawsuit seeks to divide the beef industry against itself by opening old wounds and weakening the beef checkoff as HSUS drives toward its ultimate goal of ending animal agriculture. The lawsuit (full story)
SDCA is Hunting for Members! - Thursday, September 22, 2016
Membership push 9.16.pdf (full story)
Join NCBA today and receive member benefits from John Deere, Cabela's and so much more! - Thursday, September 22, 2016
Member Benefits National Cattlemen There are many great reasons to become a member of NCBA and one of them is the chance to read the National Cattlemen. It’s the official publication of NCBA and provides timely news and information about the issues and events affecting the beef industry. A subscription is included free when you become a member of NCBA. Learn More Ram Truck NCBA is now enrolled into the Chrysler Affiliate Rewards program. NCBA memb (full story)
Chairman Conaway delivers One-Minute on negative impacts of EPA’s WOTUS rule - Thursday, September 15, 2016
Today, House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (R-TX) delivered remarks on the House floor to draw attention to the negative impacts of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers’ overburdensome regulations are having on farmers, ranchers, and rural America. Watch the video and view the official remarks below. Remarks as prepared for delivery (full story)
Daugaard administration proposes plan to boost buffer strips - Thursday, September 15, 2016
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Gov. Dennis Daugaard's administration is proposing a plan that would encourage people to install buffer strips of vegetation between agricultural land and hundreds of lakes and thousands of miles of streams, an adviser to the governor said Wednesday. The draft bill is meant to improve water quality in South Dakota, said Hunter Roberts, a policy adviser to the governor. It would offer property tax breaks for land turned into buffer strips to help trap fertilizer, pes (full story)
Bureau of Reclamation Launches Prize Competition Seeking Ideas to Protect Canals, Levees and Earthen Dam Embankments from Burrowing Rodents - Thursday, September 15, 2016
Rodent burrows can weaken embankments and cause serious or fatal issues and economic loss to populations that live nearby Media Contact: Peter Soeth, 303-445-3615 For Release: August 29, 2016 WASHINGTON - The Bureau of Reclamation is launching a new prize competition seeking methods to prevent rodents from burrowing into canals, levees and earthen dam embankments. Winners of this prize competition will share $20,000. Rodents can burrow through both sides of an embankment providing (full story)
Join your fellow cattlemen in Nashville, TN at the largest show for anyone in the beef business - Thursday, September 15, 2016
Join your fellow cattlemen in Nashville, TN at the largest show for anyone in the beef business! REGISTRATION AND HOUSING OPEN MONDAY, OCTOBER 3RD Do you have what it takes to promote and market the 2017 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Nashville, Tennessee? Are you willing to use your social media reach and regional events in your community to get the word out? Would you like to earn a complimentary registration, lodging and a airfare to attend the 2017 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Nashville for your efforts? We are looking for one Ambassador from each region to consistently promote and encourage industry members to attend the 2017 Convention. Interested candidates should answer the following questions and submit a written application via this website by September 22, 2016 The application should be no longer than 1,000 words in total and should reflect a level of professionalism, grammar and critical thinking associated with a national spokesperson. To access previous week's emails. (full story)
Request to Modernize the U.S. Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef - Thursday, September 1, 2016
Take Action Now (full story)
NRCS ANNOUNCES EQIP PROGRAM SIGNUP DEADLINE OCTOBER 21, 2016 - Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Ag Producers Encouraged to Have Conservation Plan in Place Prior to Batching Date NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS), Huron, S.D., August 24, 2016– Applications for the popular Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) are batched annually for funding consideration. October 21, 2016, is the date by which an operator or landowner must sign an application at their local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 (full story)
Noble Foundation releases ag calculators, utilities app - Tuesday, August 30, 2016
ARDMORE, Okla. — With continuous technology advancements, production agriculture is more efficient and mobile than ever before. As part of The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation’s focus on advancing agriculture, the organization has released a new app called “Ag Tools.” The app will provide agricultural producers and land managers with calculators and utilities to help crunch numbers and gain information when making management decisions. Calculation topics include (full story)
Environmental Groups Hamper Endangered Species Conservation - Tuesday, August 30, 2016
WASHINGTON (August 23, 2016) – Today, the Center for Biological Diversity along with other radical environmental groups threatened to sue the Department of Interior and Fish and Wildlife Service to force action on 417 proposed listings under the Endangered Species Act, all stemming from a massive lawsuit settlement brokered behind closed doors and without stakeholders at the table. (full story)
S.D. Farmers Union Celebrates our State's Family Farmers & Ranchers, Rural Youth & Community Heroes During the 2016 S.D. State Fair - Tuesday, August 30, 2016
CORRECTION: In the original release sent this morning, we realized we didn't include a date. South Dakota Farmers Union Day at the State Fair is Sept. 3. The article below reflects this correction. S.D. Farmers Union Celebrates our State's Family (full story)
Animal Care Wednesday Webinar, September 7th at 10:30am CST, Dr, Gretchen Hill, Antibiotics: Livestock Use & Human Health Concerns - Tuesday, August 30, 2016
The next Animal Care Wednesday Webinar will be on Wednesday, September 7 th , 10:30 am CST/9:30 am MT. Dr. Gretchen Hill, Professor of Nutrition at Michigan State University, will be discussing antibiotic use in livestock production and how it relates to human health concerns. This may give you some food-for-thought about how to respond to people that think farmers are overusing antibiotics and “poisoning them and their children”. The webinar will also (full story)
USDA Reminds Producers of Aug. 1 Deadline to Enroll in Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs - Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farmers and ranchers that they have until Aug. 1 to enroll in Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and/or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2016 crop year. Producers have already elected ARC or PLC, but must enroll for the 2016 crop year by signing a contract before the Aug. 1 deadline to receive program benefits. The programs trigger financial protections for participating agricultural producers when market forces cause substanti (full story)
GFP Commission Seeking Input on Land Purchasing Guidelines - Tuesday, July 26, 2016
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission is seeking input on proposed land acquisition priorities and guidelines through Aug. 3, 2016. “The purpose of this document is to help guide our agency and the GFP Commission in conducting land acquisitions over the next decade,” stated Kelly Hepler, GFP Secretary. “While the current priorities and guidelines are based on a traditional approach, we are seeking input from hunters, anglers, and (full story)
Six Ranches Honored for Stewardship Efforts - Tuesday, July 26, 2016
DENVER (July 14, 2016) – The tradition of cattlemen and women serving as stewards of America’s natural resources was honored today with the announcement of the six regional Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winners. The recipients who were honored during the 2016 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting, span the country and were nominated for their outstanding efforts to protect land, air and water resources on their individual farming and ranching operations. The regi (full story)
Cattle Industry Meeting Wraps Up with Policy Priorities - Monday, July 18, 2016
DENVER (July 16, 2016) – Over 700 cattlemen and women attended the Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting in Denver, Colo., this week to discuss the policy priorities for the cattle industry. “It was a great week in Denver for the cattle industry,” said Tracy Brunner, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president. “This week showcased how the industry comes together to tackle critical issues like market volatility, expanding international (full story)
Aug 9 Conservation Webinar - Rangeland Soil Health - Monday, July 18, 2016
http://conservationwebinars.net/ (full story)
National Cattlemen’s Foundation Accepting Applications for W.D. Farr Scholarships - Monday, July 18, 2016
DENVER (July 14, 2016) – The National Cattlemen’s Foundation is now accepting applications for the W.D. Farr Scholarships for the 2016-17 school year. The scholarship was established by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation to honor the successful career of the late W. D. Farr. Two annual $12,000 grants will be awarded to outstanding graduate students that demonstrate superior achievement in academics and leadership and will allow the students to further their study (full story)
Drought Recovery Assistance - Monday, July 18, 2016
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers disaster assistance programs to assist agricultural producers in their recovery efforts following drought or similar qualifying natural disasters. Available programs include: Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) - provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters (includes native grass for grazing). Eligib (full story)
2016 Beef Quality Assurance Certification Training - Friday, July 8, 2016
BROOKINGS, S.D. - SDSU Extension will host Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Short Course and Certification training in Aberdeen Monday July 18, 2016 from 1 to 7 p.m. and in De Smet Tuesday July 19, 2016 from 1 to 7 p.m. "Beef Quality Assurance certification is important to South Dakota beef producers and consumers. Maintaining current BQA certifications for all employees creates consistency in cattle care, ensures cattle well-being and beef safety, and builds an environment of continuous (full story)
South Dakota Agricultural & Rural Leadership Class IX Announced - Thursday, June 30, 2016
Contact: Lori Cope, Executive Director, South Dakota Agricultural and Rural Leadership 605-216-6178 RE: South Dakota Agricultural & Rural Leadership Class IX Announced BROOKINGS, S.D. – Lori Cope, Executive Director of the South Dakota Agricultural and Rural Leadership announces new class to participate in the next SDARL program beginning November 2016. Selected into Class IX SDARL: Brian Bannwarth, Mitchell; Shelby Bartling, Gregory; Ryan Beer, Lemmon; Peggy Bieber, Leola; Scott (full story)
Interior Appropriations Bill Advances through Committee - Thursday, June 30, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts (full story)
Prairie Dog Control Programs Available - Thursday, June 30, 2016
Prairie Dog Control Programs Available PIERRE, S.D.—Officials of the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) are reminding South Dakota ranchers and producers to contact GFP or the SDDA if they have unwanted prairie dogs. The state’s prairie dog control program is cooperatively funded by the GFP and SDDA. GFP manages issues on private lands which have encroached from adjacent public lands, while the SDDA mana (full story)
Governor Names Mike Jaspers Secretary Of Agriculture - Thursday, June 30, 2016
PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that he has appointed Mike Jaspers of rural Minnehaha County to serve as South Dakota’s Secretary of Agriculture. Jaspers will begin July 5, 2016. “I am very excited to have Mike serve as ag secretary,” Gov. Daugaard said. “His background in agriculture production, policy and administration makes him a great fit to lead the department.” “I am honored that Gov. (full story)
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