Fortune says the enactment of CAFTA would put the United States another step closer to dependence on foreign nations for our domestic food supply. “It’s scary to think that we may be relying on other, underdeveloped countries, to provide us with the food we need. It’s time for the United States to start protecting our own citizens by protecting our food production industries.”

According to Fortune, South Dakota ’s Congresswoman, Stephanie Herseth will help battle CAFTA in the House of Representatives. “We know we can count on Herseth to lobby in support of independent agriculture and against CAFTA,” said Fortune.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 1, 2005

For more information contact Carrie Longwood at:

605-342-0429 or carrie.sdsga@midconetwork.com

SD Stockgrowers Commend Johnson, Thune for COOL Legislation

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association appreciates Senator Johnson for sponsoring legislation to move up the implementation date of Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling. Senator Thune deserves a thank you as well, for crossing over party lines to co-sponsor the bill, says South Dakota Stockgrowers Association District 8 Director Margaret Nachtigall, Owanka , S.D.

“Country of Origin Labeling is essential to the survival of U.S. cattle producers,” said Nachtigall. “ U.S. ranchers raise the safest and healthiest cattle in the world, and produce the best beef, but without a workable Country of Origin Labeling program, we can’t advertise it. Our best customers have always been American consumers, and they, too, want Country of Origin Labeling to give them the choice of purchasing USA raised beef rather than beef raised in other countries.”

According to Nachtigall, Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling has been on the law books since 2002, but implementation has been delayed. “Senator Johnson’s bill would move up the implementation date, to speed up our ability to market our product here in the United States , and worldwide. South Dakota Stockgrowers members realize that we are competing in a global marketplace. We believe the only way to compete fairly and profitably is to advertise and promote our product, USA beef.”

According to Nachtigall, the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association appreciates strong support for mandatory Country of Origin Labeling from all three of South Dakota ’s congressional offices. “We are fortunate that Senators Johnson and Thune along with Congresswoman Herseth can work in a bipartisan way to implement mandatory Country of Origin Labeling, to help ensure marketing opportunities for South Dakota ’s ranchers. They understand that fair competition is vital to the survival of South Dakota ’s independent producers.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 29, 2005

For more information contact Carrie Longwood at:

605-342-0429 or carrie.sdsga@midconetwork.com

SD Stockgrowers Promote USA Raised Beef in Nation’s Capitol City

Directors take part in news conference to announce USA Raised Beef Logo

Directors for the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) joined ranchers from across the country in Washington , DC , for a publicity campaign sponsored by the Cattlemen’s Competitive Market Project (CCMP) to educate American consumers about USA Beef.

“There isn’t a more patriotic place to talk about USA Beef than the nation’s capitol,” said Wayne Nelson , SDSGA District 15 Director, Langford , S.D. , who took part in the June 28, 2005, event.

Nelson said he spoke to at least 35 reporters, explaining that America ’s ranchers have decided that it is time for USA ranchers to boast about USA Beef. “Never before have cattle producers across the country joined forces in such a powerful way. We stand united with a simple message: ‘Not just any beef…USA Raised Beef…ask for it.’ Mainly, we just want consumers to know that, as ranchers, we take an immense amount of pride in the cattle we raise, and that if they select USA Raised Beef, they will be choosing the absolute highest quality product available.”

SDSGA District 7 Director Mike Maher , Isabel , S.D. , said it was an opportunity to reach consumers with a direct message about food production and quality. “We in agriculture too often preach to the so-called choir. But not this time. We used producer dollars, donated voluntarily, to advertise our own USA Raised Beef. We’re excited to see how consumers will respond.”  

Maher says often, consumers mistakenly think that a label reading ‘USDA inspected’ means that beef is from the USA . “We want consumers to understand that imported beef gets a USDA stamp just like domestic beef. Instead of looking for a USDA stamp, consumers should seek a ‘Made in the USA ’ label on beef. If they don’t see it in the grocery store, they should ask for it. Grocers will accommodate their customers; that’s known as buying power. It’s high time that we take advantage of the positive rapport that USA ranchers and USA beef eaters share. As they become more educated about the industry, consumers continue to join with us to demand implementation of mandatory Country of Origin Labeling. ”

Nelson and Maher held individual meetings with Senators Johnson and Thune as well as Congresswoman Herseth during their visit. South Dakota ’s congressional delegation stands united in bipartisan support of America ’s ranchers and mandatory Country of Origin Labeling.

According to Maher, along with the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, R-CALF USA , the Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM), Cattle Producers of Washington, Montana Cattlemen’s Association and the Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska, the Oregon Livestock Producers Association and the Colorado Independent Cattlemen’s Association make up CCMP.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 24, 2005

For more information contact Carrie Longwood at:

605-342-0429 or carrie.sdsga@midconetwork.com

SD Stockgrowers Say the US is not part of a “North American Cattle Industry”

Concerned about unanswered questions from USDA

In light of USDA’s announcement that a cow slaughtered in the United States that previously tested negative for BSE has now tested positive via a different test, South Dakota Stockgrowers Association leadership reminds producers and consumers of the distinct differences between the United States cattle industry and those of other countries.

“While we have all heard USDA’s announcement today, there are still all kinds of unanswered questions,” says South Dakota Stockgrowers Association President Ken Knuppe, Buffalo Gap, S.D.

“USDA hasn’t confirmed the cow’s country of origin; additionally they haven’t sufficiently explained the reason for retesting the cow, or why one test is considered more accurate than the other.” Knuppe said the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association will await answers from USDA to those and other questions.

Knuppe says that according to USDA, the cow never entered the human food or feed supply. “American consumers can be sure that USA cattle are raised under the strictest health and safety standards in the world. Consumers need not worry about the safety of USA beef because rules are in place to prevent beef from any suspect cattle from entering the food chain.”

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association remains absolutely firm in opposing the reopening of the Canadian border. “Let’s take some time to be sure we do things right, rather than rushing to bring Canadian cattle into the U.S. There may very well be scientific answers to our questions about BSE that will, at some point, support the reopening of the Canadian border, but now is clearly not that time.”

Knuppe reiterates that the United States holds strict BSE safeguards that ensure consumers that USA beef is the safe and wholesome product that it always has been. “We are not a segment of a so-called ‘North American Industry,’ we are the United States cattle industry and we will continue to provide a quality product to American consumers.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 20, 2005

For more information contact Carrie Longwood at:

605-342-0429 or carrie.sdsga@midconetwork.com

SD Stockgrowers Correct False Claims by Mandatory Beef Checkoff Proponents

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) president, Ken Knuppe, Buffalo Gap, S.D., says the organization is concerned about misleading information released by representatives of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) indicating the mandatory beef checkoff is responsible for adding hundreds of dollars in value to feeder cattle.

Knuppe says that supporters of the mandatory, $1/head beef checkoff government speech program have asserted that the checkoff is responsible for a $200/head increase in the value of a feeder calf. "If the mandatory checkoff has been so successful, why is it just the past two years that ranchers are finally seeing some profits?" asked Knuppe. "Data released last week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reflects that the producer share of the retail dollar hasn’t changed, but retail prices continue to soar while the wholesale to retail margins are widening. In other words, profits are increasing at the retail level; it just isn’t ‘trickling down’ to the producer."

"The checkoff has been in place for almost 20 years. It seems like quite a coincidence that just as the Canadian border closed checkoff proponents began touting the program’s effectiveness in increasing producer profits."

Knuppe explains that, although CBB staff and board members claim that beef demand is on the rise, per capita consumption of beef in the United States is actually down. "In 1998, American consumers ate an average of 66.7 lbs of beef, this past year it dropped to 65.6 lbs. By what yardstick is this considered a success for an $80 million per year beef promotion campaign funded mostly by U.S. producers?" he asked.

While total consumption of beef in the U.S. has increased, Knuppe says much of this can be attributed to an increase in population.

Knuppe also points out that even an increase in beef demand or consumption doesn’t necessarily equate to profits for the U.S. cattle producer. "Just because people eat beef, it doesn’t mean that U.S. ranchers get paid more. Consumers could be unknowingly buying beef from Australia , Mexico , Canada or one of the other 30 nations that export beef into America which is sold under the guise of the USDA grade stamp of approval. It’s pretty simple, really. U.S. ranchers benefit only when consumers buy U.S. beef. Without mandatory Country of Origin Labeling, consumers don’t have the information they need to choose U.S. beef."

"Cattle prices are up partly due to short supply in the U.S. ," Knuppe explains. "Cattle numbers in the U.S. are lower than they have been for over 50 years. It’s a simple supply and demand theory. The packers have increased boxed beef production in countries like Canada and they are shipping that meat into the U.S. which, in turn, displaces demand for American cattle. Those imports of boxed beef are essentially a captive supply tool allowing packers the freedom to purchase fewer U.S. feeder cattle, which can drive down cash markets and give the packers the ability to manipulate the markets.  With prices low or when they are unsettled, cattle numbers naturally stay low because there is no long-term incentive to increase numbers."

Knuppe goes on to say that with the sudden closure of the Canadian border, meatpackers lost some of their live cattle captive supplies, forcing them to turn to U.S. cattle to meet their needs. "It’s true that the U.S. is still importing record amounts of Canadian boxed beef, but without the ability to import live cattle, total tonnage of beef imported from Canada annually (live cattle and boxed beef combined) is much lower now than prior to the border closure."

Limited supply isn’t the only reason for good cattle prices. Knuppe believes the Atkins, South Beach and other high protein diets have strongly impacted consumers’ eating selections. Plus, Knuppe says that today’s Americans are willing to spend more freely than ever before. "A decade ago Americans thought they couldn’t afford steak, today’s consumers seem to buy what they want, when they want it."

Knuppe encourages cattle producers to be grateful for current cattle prices, but not to get comfortable.

"Ranchers are finally being paid a decent wage, but the truth is that in relation to other expenses, cattle prices would have to go even higher to actually compensate for the cost of transportation and regular living expenses," he commented. Cattle-Fax data for 1990-2004 showed returns to cow/calf operations averaging $36 per head. That translates to an income that’s approaching poverty level," said Knuppe. "The CBB’s claims about the beef checkoff adding $200 in value to U.S. feeder cattle sound great until you dig a little deeper and see that producers aren’t realizing that profit."

"The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, along with R-CALF and the Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) are working to ensure that U.S. cattle producers claim their fair share of the consumer dollar; not just one year out of ten, but ten years out of ten."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2005

For more information contact Carrie Longwood at:
605-342-0429 or carrie.sdsga@midconetwork.com

SD Stockgrowers Quarterly Meeting Successful

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association hosted another well attended Quarterly Membership Meeting in Belle Fourche , S.D. , on June 6, 2005, followed by a Board of Directors meeting the following morning.

“The meeting was a great chance for some of the local ranchers to provide input into the Stockgrowers’ policy and direction,” said South Dakota Stockgrowers Association District 1 Director Larry Nelson, Buffalo , S.D.   “We covered several issues that strongly impact the cattle business, including CAFTA, property taxes and property rights.”

According to Nelson, the Stockgrowers organized two panels to address property taxes and the open fields doctrine. “Both panels brought a lot of information out in the open, and provided a forum for ranchers to ask questions of some knowledgeable individuals.”

Nelson said one of the highlights of Monday’s meeting was a presentation by Buffalo Elementary student Ren McCoid, a sixth grader. “Ren impressed the dinner crowd with his state history day – winning speech about brands and brand inspection.” Nelson said after the presentation and several questions from the audience, Past South Dakota Stockgrowers Association president Bill Hutchinson was proud to hand McCoid a check from the Stockgrowers to help fund his trip to Washington , DC later this month to compete in the national history day competition.

The night’s final event was a congressional update from R-CALF USA Director of Government Relations, Jess Peterson.

Peterson talked about Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling, the Central American Free Trade Agreement, animal identification, the Canadian border, and a number of other issues on the national level. Peterson reminded producers of several legislative wins we have seen recently, including passage of the Resolution of Disapproval (an action to show disagreement with USDA’s rule to reopen the Canadian border to live cattle) out of the Senate. He said even our opponents commented that they were impressed and amazed that the cattle industry was able to overcome opposition by the administration, the USDA, much of Congress, and the meat packing industry to achieve a majority of Senators supporting the continued closure of the Canadian border.

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association Board of Directors met the morning of June 7, 2005 at the American West Restaurant to discuss issues including prairie dog destruction on the national grasslands, the upcoming annual convention, promotion of the new USA-RAISED BEEF campaign and other matters.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 23, 2005

For more information contact Carrie Longwood at:

605-342-0429 or carrie.sdsga@midconetwork.com

SD Stockgrowers Disappointed in Check off Decision

Although the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association disagree with the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the beef check off, they will continue providing ranchers with an avenue to promote USA Raised Beef, something the mandatory check off cannot do.

According to the ruling by a majority of Supreme Court Justices, advertising funded by check off dollars is considered “government speech,” providing immunity from First Amendment freedom of speech. This goes against the very core of the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association philosophy, said South Dakota Stockgrowers Association District 8 Director Margaret Nachtigall “Our members are independent producers who believe the government has no place in beef promotion. The line between business and government has become blurred. The current trend toward increasing government regulations negatively affects each and every family owned business. We simply ask the government to leave the industry to our own devices, and USA producers will promote our own product.”

“U.S. Ranchers deserve the opportunity to promote our product, and shouldn’t be forced to advertise for our competitors,” said South Dakota Stockgrowers Association President Ken Knuppe. “The administrators of the current $1/head mandatory beef check off claim the program cannot advertise USA Raised Beef, yet in their campaign tagline, they attribute USA producers for funding the promotion effort. USA producers have the right to differentiate our product. It is absurd to take money from USA producers, and use those funds to advertise beef in a generic sense. Consumers might be buying more beef, but if they buy Canadian or Australian beef, it harms our domestic cattle market.”

Knuppe said the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association will continue promoting USA Beef through CCMP, a fundraising project aimed at improving USA live cattle prices. “CCMP is a great way for producers to control their own destiny. If ranchers want to see better markets, they can contribute through CCMP to cattle organizations dedicated to market improvements.” According to Knuppe, donations to CCMP are completely voluntary, and are generally made in the form of $.50/head contributions via agreements with local salebarns.  

“CCMP has funded an amicus brief supporting R-CALF in the border litigation. We’ve also used CCMP funds to kick off a USA-Raised Beef promotional campaign, after the

state check off council said they were forbidden from spending South Dakota producer dollars to help advertise beef born and raised in the United States .”

 “Although the mandatory national check off will continue for the time being, there is no reason for ranchers to become discouraged,” urges Knuppe. “The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, R-CALF USA , the Organization for Competitive Markets and other state and national organizations will continue working to better U.S. cattle markets, to keep independent USA ranchers viable for future generations.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 9, 2005

For more information contact Carrie Longwood at:

605-342-0429 or carrie.sdsga@midconetwork.com

SD Stockgrowers Sure - Congressional Delegates Will Keep COOL

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association is confident that South Dakota producers will be represented positively via their Senators and Congresswoman regarding the continued need for Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling.

“We anticipated another attack on the Mandatory COOL law, and just yesterday it came in the form of yet another Voluntary COOL bill, intended to replace the current mandatory COOL bill, introduced by House Agriculture Committee chair Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va), and Rep. Marion Berry (D-Ark.),” said Bob Fortune , South Dakota Stockgrowers Association Marketing Committee Chairman.

“While it is unfortunate that the large meatpacking companies and retailers seem insistent upon keeping secrets about the origin of their meat, the Stockgrowers are reassured by the fact that South Dakota ’s Congressional Delegation speaks with a single, unified voice in strong support of Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling,” said Fortune. “Senators Johnson and Thune together with Representative Herseth have voiced their support for a Mandatory COOL law time and again. They realize the importance of labeling meat, both for consumers and for producers.”

Fortune says South Dakota ’s representatives also realize that the current proposal for voluntary COOL is nothing more than an attempt to kill COOL altogether. “We have voluntary COOL today; there is no need to pass more laws to that effect. What we need is a mandatory law so every meatpacker and retailer is required to comply, so consumers will no longer be ‘in the dark’ about the origin of their meat .”

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association Executive Director Carrie Longwood, Rapid City , S.D. , says Senator Thune spoke recently in Rapid City , S.D. , about the need to maintain Mandatory COOL, and to resist efforts to repeal the law by making it voluntary.

Longwood says the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association will remain in communication with South Dakota ’s Congressional Delegation to ensure the timely implementation of Mandatory COOL on September of 2006.

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April 27, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Information: Carrie Longwood, SDSGA 605.342.0429

                      Chase Carter, OCM 402.817.4443

CCMP Stakeholders Introduce New USA-RAISED BEEF Logo

Lincoln , NE ~ Stakeholder groups in the Cattlemen’s Competitive Market Project (CCMP) introduced today a sweeping new campaign to promote domestically raised beef.  During a press conference held in Rapid City , SD officials unveiled the new

“USA-RAISED BEEF” logo which will heighten consumer awareness about the safety and nutritional value of beef born, raised and processed in the U.S.  

“This campaign marks a new beginning for U.S. cattlemen,” said Ken Knuppe, president of South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA).  “ America ’s cattle producers deserve a national promotional program that distinguishes their product from that of foreign nations.  The current mandated $1.00 per head checkoff promotes generic beef and that includes foreign beef imported into America , sold under the guise of the USDA grade stamp of approval.  CCMP is rolling out a logo and promotional campaign designed to enhance demand for USA-RAISED BEEF, which is the safest, most nutritious beef in the world. We’re very enthusiastic about the opportunities that exist for American cattlemen and consumers through this program.”

SDSGA is a stakeholder in CCMP, a voluntarily funded producer self-help program established in part to enhance demand for U.S. cattle and beef, and educate consumers about the nutritional values of USA-RAISED BEEF.

 Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska (ICON), Montana Cattlemen’s Association (MCA), Cattle Producers of Washington (CPOW), R-CALF USA and the Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) are also stakeholder groups in CCMP.

“The USA-RAISED BEEF program is part of U.S. cattlemen’s developing partnership with consumers.  In effect it is our contract with them,” noted Rick Fox, SDSGA vice-president.  “ America ’s cattlemen work hard to produce the safest meat in the world under the most rigorous standards on the face of the globe.  We’re proud of what we produce and we want it labeled.  Until now, cattlemen have not had a promotional campaign that emphasizes the facts about the safety and security of purchasing USA-RAISED BEEF.  Now we do.  It is our goal to reach every consumer in every corner of America , encouraging them to demand U.S. born and raised beef.”

Carrie Longwood, SDSGA Executive Director agreed adding, “This program answers a call from grassroots producers who want a promotional campaign supporting domestically born and raised beef; that sets apart U.S. beef from that of foreign origin. Experience has shown that throwing billions of dollars at a generic promotional program doesn’t showcase USA-RAISED BEEF nor does it enhance consumer demand for our product.  The idea for this program came from the grassroots and it will be driven by U.S. producers through CCMP.  Success can’t be measured by merely the amount of money thrown at a concept; it’s the quality of the ideas that provide the thrust.  Our feedback shows that producers are coming together solidly behind this campaign and SDSGA is proud to lead the charge.”

The new logo and promotional campaign made its debut today through an arrangement with Korkow Rodeo Company of South Dakota .  Jim Korkow, rodeo producer and cattleman, said the concept was born when he learned the nationally mandated beef checkoff could not promote U.S. beef.  “Frankly, I was stunned to learn the facts about the national checkoff,” noted Korkow.  “I made a proposal to the South Dakota Beef Industry Council requesting funding to promote U.S. beef.  I was advised that unless we promoted generic beef we would not receive any funding. As a cattleman myself, I simply can’t justify promoting my competitor’s beef.   I presented my idea to promote USA.-RAISED BEEF to the Cattlemen’s Competitive Market Project through the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, and they took the concept and ran with it.  This goes to show what a voluntary producer funded effort can do.  You can bet that Korkow Rodeo trucks will carry the USA-RAISED BEEF logo proudly and we’ll do all we can to promote American cattlemen and their product throughout the year.”            

Chase Carter, OCM Executive Director said, “This is a win-win combination for consumers, producers and yes, even meat processors and retailers.  As we increase domestic demand for U.S. beef, everyone will benefit.  This is one of the simplest value-added programs ever developed.  By encouraging consumers to demand U.S. beef, we add value to the national cattle herd and consumers will be asking the right questions at the retail case.  Now that seafood labeling has been implemented, the absolute right next step is to see that all meat is labeled as to country of origin.  This new campaign is designed to provide that impetus.  U.S. cattlemen have a wonderful relationship with consumers.  It’s time that we expand that relationship and ask consumers to demand USA-RAISED BEEF.”

The new logo is patriotic in nature, with the slogan “Not Just Any Beef.  USA RAISED BEEF.  Ask For It.  The logo has been trademarked and will begin appearing through agreements with CCMP. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2005

For more information contact Carrie Longwood at:
605-342-0429 or carrie.sdsga@midconetwork.com

SD Stockgrowers Oppose Move to Delay COOL

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association is not surprised by the latest effort to cripple mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL).

“Consumers and producers across the country demand Country of Origin Labeling, but unfortunately the lobbying power of the multinational meatpackers and retail chains has temporarily overpowered the people’s voice, at least with certain congressmen,” says South Dakota Stockgrowers Association Vice President Rick Fox, Hermosa , S.D.

Fox said the House Ag Appropriations Sub-Committee voted late Monday                                                                  night in support of an appropriations bill that included a last minute amendment to delay mandatory COOL until 2007. This very same tactic was used in 2004 to delay COOL implementation. “They are obviously not proud of what they’ve done, as they weren’t willing to discuss this in an open debate, but rather snuck in the delay in the dead of night.”

“Without the means to label and promote our American-made product, U.S. cattle producers are forced to sell our premium product in a commodity market,” says Fox. “The retailers and meatpackers want to continue keeping secrets from consumers - secrets about the fact that more and more beef sold in the U.S. is from outside of our borders, and is produced and processed in foreign countries, under different laws and regulations. Obviously meatpackers and retailers reap huge financial benefits by misinforming consumers; if this were not the case, they would willingly adhere to the labeling law.”

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association Marketing Committee Chairman Bob Fortune, Kadoka , S.D. , says that the excuses he’s heard from organizations claiming to represent cattle producers but opposing mandatory COOL don’t hold water. “They say they don’t support mandatory COOL because they don’t like government intervention or government mandates. But those very same organizations defend the mandatory $1/head check off, claiming that it’s ‘government speech.’” In addition, Fortune says, those groups have publicly announced their support for a mandatory national animal identification system. “Talk about government intervention, a mandatory id system is about as obtrusive as it gets. Those organizations seem to support government intervention as long as it will help the large multinational corporations, but they get in the way of any efforts to help the US cattle producer.”

Fortune refutes another common complaint about mandatory COOL.  “I’ve heard the meat associations say that mandatory COOL will just be too expensive to implement if they have to track every animal from birth. Congressmen Dennie Rehburg’s (R-MT) legislation to take cattle off the J-list would allow for simple and inexpensive implementation of mandatory COOL, by requiring all live cattle that enter the United States to carry a mark of origin, such as a hot brand. All imported beef is already stamped to indicate the exporting country - that information simply needs to be provided to the consumer, instead of being thrown out at the processing plant. All cattle or beef without a foreign mark would be known to be a US product.”

 Fox says the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and other U.S. cattle organizations including their national affiliate, R-CALF USA appreciates South Dakota ’s congressional delegation for their continued support for mandatory COOL. “We will work with our Senators and Congresswoman to ensure that this latest attempt to kill COOL is revealed and stopped. The public needs to be aware that some of our elected officials are bending to the pressure from international corporations. This is not how our government was set up to work. USDA should NOT be lobbying Congress; their job is to implement the laws approved in the legislative process. The people have the power, and the people have spoken: implement mandatory Country of Origin Labeling without delay.”               

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 22, 2005

For more information contact Carrie Longwood at:

605-342-0429 or carrie.sdsga@midconetwork.com

SD Stockgrowers Thank Johnson and Thune for Packer Ban Sign-On

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association appreciates Senators Johnson and Thune for co-sponsoring legislation to restrict the length of time that packers can own live cattle prior to slaughter.

“The Stockgrowers are thrilled about the bipartisan support South Dakota’s Senators continue to show regarding cattle industry issues,” said South Dakota Stockgrowers Association Vice President Rick Fox, Hermosa, S.D. “It’s obvious that Senators Johnson and Thune are not interested in conforming to partisan ideals, but are willing to think outside the box, to find solutions to the problems weighing our industry down, like captive supplies.”

“Our Senators clearly understand the downward pressure that meatpackers are able to exert on the live cattle market when they possess large numbers of cattle on feed. Instead of buying finished cattle on the cash market when the price is good, they simply resort to their own supplies and contracted cattle until the cash price drops. This artificially lowers even the base price, which determines the price of many contracts held between packers and feeders,” said Fox.

Fox says the proposed legislation will prohibit packers from owning, feeding or controlling livestock for more than seven business days prior to slaughter which will provide increased options for small farmers and ranchers to get fairer prices for their cattle.

The Stockgrowers are confident that both of South Dakota ’s Senators will continue to work in tandem with the Stockgrowers to strive for renewed profitability and viability in the U.S. cattle industry.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 21, 2005

For more information contact Carrie Longwood at:

605-342-0429 or carrie.sdsga@midconetwork.com

SD Stockgrowers and Rounds Agree: Keep Border Closed

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association appreciates South Dakota Governor Rounds’ recent letter to key U.S. House leaders urging their support for legislation to keep the Canadian border closed to live cattle.

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association President Ken Knuppe , Buffalo Gap, S.D., says the Governor has expressed his opposition to re-opening the border on several occasions. “It’s clear that he understands the animal and human health concerns and financial risks associated with USDA’s rule to re-open the border to live cattle from Canada. He’s voiced this concern to the media, in a letter to President Bush and most recently in official correspondence to Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.).”

Knuppe says that the Governor’s letter to Speaker Hastert and other high ranking Congressmen, sent April 20, 2005 , urged the Congressional representatives to support S.J. Res 4, a Resolution of Disapproval recently passed through the U.S. Senate. The purpose of the resolution is to express congressional opposition to USDA’s rule to reopen the border, Knuppe says.

In the letter, Governor Rounds tells the Congressional Delegates, “We produce the world’s best and safest beef right here in America . To this date, there has never been BSE detected in native born United States cattle. Nonetheless, our export markets were shut down because of one BSE infected cow imported from Canada . I believe it is reasonable to demand USDA prove, with sound science, that Canadian live cattle pose no risk to American cattle and consumers before we reopen the border.”

Knuppe says the Stockgrowers are grateful for the bipartisan support that South Dakota ’s elected officials have expressed on this issue. “Our Congressional Delegation, state legislators, Governor, Attorney General and local governments have teamed up to ensure that South Dakota cattle producers are not ignored in Washington . For some, this issue is a political opportunity to gain recognition or return favors, for South Dakota ’s politicians, it’s about doing the right thing for South Dakota . We anticipate ongoing joint efforts with our elected officials to keep our cattle herds safe and healthy, and producers financially viable.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 19, 2005

For more information contact Carrie Longwood at:

605-342-0429 or carrie.sdsga@midconetwork.com

SD Stockgrowers Thank Rapid City Chamber for Amicus Brief Sign-on

State’s second largest Chamber supports continued closure of Canadian border to live cattle

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association applauds the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce for signing an Amicus Brief in support of the R-CALF USA lawsuit to block the re-opening of the Canadian border to live cattle. The Chamber Ag and Natural Resources Committee first endorsed the action, and urged the Chamber’s support.

Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board of Directors Qusi Al-Haj, Rapid City, S.D., said the decision to sign on to the amicus brief was an easy one. “It was the right thing to do. We can choose to support local ag producers or we can avoid the issue and hope for the best. Why wouldn’t we support local ranchers, businessmen, just like we are? Viable businesses, especially independent farms and ranches, keep our state’s economy thriving.” Al-Haj concluded that the Chamber expects that at some point, Canadian cattle will once again enter the United States , but they will support such an action only when they are sure that BSE is no longer a problem in Canadian herds. “Prevention is always the best policy. It is our goal to keep U.S. herds free from BSE – this is good for producers and consumers. Pretty simple.”

Stockgrowers President Ken Knuppe, Buffalo Gap, S.D., says he appreciates the common sense the Chamber Board members showed with their quick decision to sign the brief. “It’s clear that keeping the border closed right now is best for South Dakota cattle producers, which in turn means it’s best for South Dakota businesses. I’m excited that our state’s second largest city has stayed agriculture-minded and understands that the success of the ag industry will influence the entire state’s economic viability.”

According to Knuppe, the Rapid City Chamber joins a host of organizations from across the country that support maintaining strict standards to ensure the continued health of the U.S. cattle herd and the safety of U.S. consumers. The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, the Montana Cattlemen’s Association and the Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska are a few of the other groups signed on to the brief.

Knuppe explained that R-CALF USA was granted a temporary injunction against USDA’s rule to reopen the border to Canadian live cattle. “USDA is now appealing the decision. The purpose of the Amicus Brief is to lend our support to R-CALF in the appeal proceedings. The Stockgrowers agree with R-CALF that U.S. cattle producers must maintain the world’s highest health and safety standards. USDA wants to lower our standards by allowing in cattle from a country with a known BSE problem. The U.S. cattle industry must protect ourselves against this effort. As U.S. cattle producers, safety and quality are our trademarks. U.S. consumers deserve nothing less.”

Knuppe urges any organizations with interest in signing the Amicus Brief to contact Carrie Longwood at the Stockgrowers office at 605-342-0429.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 4, 2005

For more information contact Carrie Longwood at:

605-342-0429 or carrie.sdsga@midconetwork.com

SD Stockgrowers Committee Amends Trich Policy

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association Animal Health Committee met for a second time in three weeks, to revisit the issue of trichomoniasis.

According to Committee Chairman Kenny Fox, Belvidere , S.D. , the committee decided to amend their recently adopted policy with one simple but significant change.

“In our previous policy, we stated that bulls over 12 months of age should be trich tested prior to sale or importation into the state. We amended that to call for testing on bulls over 16 months of age that are sold or imported into South Dakota . Additionally, bulls less than 16 months need not be tested if the owner can guarantee that the bulls are virgins.”

According to Fox, Stockgrower policy would not require bulls under 16 months to be tested, but certainly no rancher is prohibited from testing. “With a disease like trich, you are better safe then sorry,” says Fox. “Some seedstock producers may want to test all of their bulls just to be sure; I would certainly encourage them to do so and would expect that their customers would appreciate it too.”

Fox tells ranchers that the Stockgrower policy will be presented to the Animal Industry Board at their upcoming meeting. “This is the policy that the Stockgrowers have agreed to and we will encourage the Animal Industry Board to adopt similar policy.” Fox encourages ranchers to contact the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association with their thoughts and concerns about the disease.

Following please find the amended (current) South Dakota Stockgrowers Association policy regarding trich: