2010 Press Releases

December 14, 2010

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

www.southdakotastockgrowers.org

South Dakota Stockgrowers Report on Washington , D.C. Trip

Stockgrower President Kenny Fox, Belvidere; Marketing Chairman Vaughn Meyer , Reva, SD; and Region III Vice President Bob Fortune returned Friday from a trip to Washington, D.C. where they participated in the final Department of Justice/USDA GIPSA (Grain Inspection, Packers & Stockyards Administration) workshop.

The D.C. workshop was fifth in a series of workshops throughout the country in 2010. In March a workshop was held in Ankeny, Iowa to address concerns from grain/seed and hog producers; in May Normal Alabama conducted a poultry workshop; June was a dairy workshop in Madison , Wisconsin ;  a beef workshop in  Ft. Collins , Colorado in August of 2010.  The main theme of the fifth workshop was the disparity between producer prices and consumer prices.

Meyer was on a panel and had this to say: “In the 1970 Farm to Retail spread of 98 cents; farmers received 38 cents (39%) and wholesalers received 60 cents (61%).  In 2002 the Farm to Retail Spread was $1.22 – farmers received 22 cents (18%) and the wholesalers received $1.00 (82%). In other words, Farmers lost 20% of the Farm to Retail spread while wholesalers gained 20%.”

He added: “This same Farm to Retail Spread for the first 9 months of 2010 was $2.40.  The farm share was 32.l cents or 13.3%” This of course would leave the wholesalers with almost 87% of the Farm to Retail Spread.

Meyer said “This downward trend is representative of livestock producers’ plight of not being able to control our pricing structure for our product to cover mounting input costs.  This is indicative of the unfair advantage the packing industry maintains over production agriculture and is reflected in the loss of 12,000 producers and their families annually. In Rural America we are constantly reminded of this 25% loss (of our share) of the consumer dollar as we drive down boarded up main streets that 40 years ago were the social centers of our communities.

Fox spoke from the floor in support of the proposed GIPSA rule and also stated that they had huge support from the consumers at this workshop.

Fox, Bob Fortune and Meyer were included in a meeting with Food & Water Watch which is a non-profit organization that advocates for common sense policies that will result in healthy, safe food and water, and is a strong supporter of the GIPSA rule.

He said they “met with staff members from Senator Johnson and Senator Thune’s offices and also met with Kathleen Merrigan, Deputy Secretary Department of Agriculture and John Ferrell, Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, U.S. Department of Agriculture.”

“In these meetings several issues were discussed including the Over 30 Months Rule which allows cows over 30 months of age to be imported into the United States .  This, of course, is the age most likely to be infected with BSE. Another issue brought forward in these side meetings was the problem of regionalization of Santa Catarina , Brazil from which USDA plans to import cattle, beef, hogs and pork products. Stockgrowers have long opposed this due to the fact that the entire surrounding area is not free of FMD (Foot & Mouth Disease) even though the Santa Catarina area reportedly is an FMD free state.”

Fox said “all in all they had a good trip and made good use of our time in D.C. and we again want to thank those who so generously donated to the cause.”

December 13, 2010

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

www.southdakotastockgrowers.org

Stockgrowers Support Faith School Fundraiser

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association is one of several individuals and organizations to take part in a fund-raiser for the Faith School System.

The Pepsi Company provides a program called Pepsi Refresh in an effort to refresh the world.  The public submits ideas that are voted on by the public.  Each person can vote each day and the ideas with the most votes wins.  The winner then receives a grant from $50,000 to $250,000.

According to information received from Faith, their school has been condemned and the children have been having classes in modular units for several years.  Students have to walk from one unit to another for classes in all kinds of weather.

Their goals are to build enclosed hallways between buildings, relocate the current playground besides providing improved parking and landscaping.

Faith is in the running for the $250,000 grant.  All votes must be in before the end of December. To vote for this school go to http://faith.k12.sd.us/.

Stockgrowers Past President Rick Fox said “This is a very good cause and anything we can do to help the school would be a good way to ‘refresh’ one of our Rural Communities.” 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Silvia Christen, Development Director 605-342-0429

Agritourism Business Course Offered to SD Ranchers

Applications are being accepted for an exciting educational course entitled, “Agritourism: Your next cash crop?”.    “Agritourism: Your next cash crop?” is a five day course designed to provide farmers and ranchers with the tools needed to successfully start or expand their own agritourism operations.  It is being offered by the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, Badlands/South Central Enterprise Facilitation and the Badlands and South Central RC&D Councils.

“The goal is for participants to be ready to start their agritourism businesses at the end of the fifth class period,” facilitator Jan Jantzen of Emporia , KS said.  “We want to help you think through what you have available on your farm or ranch, and how you can turn that into a successful tourism destination.”

According to David Vinson, Badlands RC&D Coordinator from Martin, “This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who has been thinking about how to kick start an agritourism business.  We’re really excited to have this course in Kadoka.”  And, Vinson says the class isn’t limited to any ideas.  “Agritourism can really involve any aspect of your farm or ranch from hunting and fishing to working ranch vacations, trail riding, farmers markets, or whatever you might be thinking of for your business.”

The course was developed in Emporia , KS by the Flint Hills Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Area, Inc.  Mr. Jan Jantzen, of the Flint Hills RC&D facilitates the entire course which will be taught by South Dakota experts on state regulations and licensing, insurance and risk management, marketing, and financial planning. 

  The course is set to begin on Tuesday, January 11, and will meet every Tuesday for five consecutive weeks, ending on February 8.  Classes will be held in Kadoka alternately at Jiggers Restaurant and Club 27.  Enrollment for the course costs $100 and each additional person from the same family or business costs only $50.  Enrollment is limited to the first 35 applicants.

According to Jantzen, graduates of the course will have named and described their businesses in detail.  They will have identified specific groups of customers they want to serve, and they will have created marketing plans designed to reach them.  Graduates will learn how to use layers of liability protection for their assets; they will know how to price their products and services, and how to manage their income and expenses. 

The Badlands/South Central Enterprise Facilitation is a project of the Badlands RC&D Council and the South Central RC&D Council serving Bennett, Haakon, Jackson, Jones, Mellette, Shannon, Todd, and Tripp counties.  South Dakota Stockgrowers is a statewide organization that has worked for over 120 years to promote and protect the South Dakota livestock industry.

To learn more about the course, or to enroll, visit www.southdakotastockgrowers.org, Badlands RC&D Council, (David Vinson) at 605-685-1239, ext 4 or South Central RC&D Council at 605-669-2404 ext. 4.

November 19, 2010

For More Information Contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

www.southdakotastockgrowers.org

South Dakota Stockgrowers Invite Public to Martin Meeting

South Dakota Stockgrowers are inviting the public to the winter quarterly meeting which will be held on November 30, 2010 in Martin , SD at the Bennet County Public Library Meeting Room.

According to District Director Cole Lange, Oglala the meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:00 am MST with committee meetings.  He said “this will be a one day meeting with committee meetings until approximately 2:00 pm which is the scheduled start time for the Board of Directors Meeting.  As always all of our meetings are open to the public and we invite everyone to stop in and visit with members any time.”

The Stockgrowers meeting is being held in conjunction with the SD Cattlewomen who will also meet at the Library.

At noon the Cattlewomen will join the Stockgrowers for a catered meal and an interesting presentation by Stockgrower Development Director Silvia Christen.

In October Silvia led a Stockgrower-KBHB Radio sponsored trip through Chile and Argentina .  She said “It was a fun and exciting trip; very interesting and basically agricultural. The farms and ranches we visited were not tourist type operations – just regular crop and/or livestock operations.”  She said “I took lots of photos and am looking forward to sharing them with all who attend the meeting.” Silvia will be making her presentation at 12:30 pm.

Stockgrowers’ lobbyist Jeremiah M Murphy will be on hand to update us on the newly elected legislators and what we can look forward to in new legislation.

Lange stated that we want to thank several local business places who are sponsoring this event including: Ace General Store, Inc.; Bob’s Gas Service; Kratovil’s True Value; LaCreek Electric Association, Inc.; Martin Livestock Auction, Inc.; Sportsman’s Lanes II, Inc.; Waggoners’Grocery.

November 17, 2010

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

www.southdakotastockgrowers.org

Stockgrowers Host Informational Meeting in Kadoka

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association hosted a great evening of supper and information at Club 27 in Kadoka , SD Tuesday November 16.

President Kenny Fox conducted the meeting which followed a delicious hot beef sandwich.  His first speaker of the evening was Becky Littau, Winner, SD, South Dakota Cattlewomen

Becky talked about some of the issues the Cattlewomen are working on including the threat that the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) poses for livestock owners. As Membership Chairman for the SD Cattlewomen she issued an invitation to women in the audience and wives, mothers, daughters, sisters of the rest of the attendees to join the Cattlewomen which is an auxiliary to the SD Stockgrowers.

Fox lead a discussion  regarding USDA/APHIS’s (Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service) decision to import cattle and hogs, and beef and pork products, from Santa Catarina a state in Brazil which has been declared free of FMD (Foot & Mouth Disease) and several swine diseases. Fox said “One single state in the country, which adjoins an Argentine country known to carry FMD, should not be allowed to export to the United States which has not seen a case of FMD since 1929.” 

Johnny Smith , Ft Pierre, SD, Livestock Auction Barn partner and Board Member for R-CALF USA was on hand to talk about the proposed new rule for the Packers & Stockyards Act.  Smith explained how a jury decision was overturned by a judge who ruled that the plaintiff had not proven injury to competition to the entire industry.  He explained how important it is to have rules written which will clarify the Packers and Stockyards Act and make it enforceable as it was originally intended in 1921, the year it was enacted.

SD Stockgrowers Development Director Silvia Christen commented that she “received a couple new membership applications with promise of more to come”.

Fox said “Stockgrowers wish to thank Club 27 and the following sponsors for a very enjoyable, informative meeting: Discount Fuel, Donna Enders – Farmer’s Union Insurance, Midwest Cooperative, Moses Building Center and Philip Motors.”

Stockgrowers also wish to thank the following folks for donating to the Washington , D.C. travel fund which will help 4 Stockgrower members represent our industry and our state at the final DOJ/USDA workshop on December 8, 2010: Allen Badure , Belvidere started off by offering a check and a challenge – others followed. Chuck and Donna Enders, Kadoka; Ft. Pierre Livestock, Ft Pierre; Jim and Gay Murphy, Reliance; Martin and Vera Nelson, Philip; Charles and Shirley O’Connor, Philip; Dale and Nancy Peterson, Kadoka; Jerry and Stephanie Sharp, Long Valley; U. Lazy U. Angus Ranch, Belvidere.

November 8, 2010

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

www.southdakotastockgrowers.org

Stockgrowers Assoc. to Host Supper and Meeting in Kadoka

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association invites all area livestock producers for supper and a producer meeting on Tuesday, November 16 at Club 27 in Kadoka starting at 6pm.  The purpose of the meeting is to provide information about USDA’s “GIPSA Rule” and to answer questions about this and other topics impacting the livestock industry.

“Please bring your family and join us for supper on Tuesday,” said Stockgrowers President Kenny Fox.  “We want everyone to bring questions and comments about the issues that are facing the livestock industry, especially the proposed GIPSA rules that are currently being discussed.”

USDA proposed the “GIPSA Rule” in response to the 2008 Farm Bill which required the agency to clarify and define sections of the Packers and Stockyards Act dealing with meatpackers’ control of the livestock markets.  USDA’s public comment period on the proposed rules remains open until November 22. 

The supper and meeting are free of charge thanks to the generous contributions of Moses Building Center in Philip, Philip Motors, MidWest Coop in Philip and Kadoka, and Discount Fuel in Kadoka.

For more information about this meeting, please contact the Stockgrowers office at 605-342-0429.

October 22, 2010

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

www.southdakotastockgrowers.org

South Dakota Stockgrowers Support Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association President Kenny Fox today said Stockgrowers are in full support of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack ’s reply to a group of U.S. House Representatives regarding a proposed GIPSA (Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration) rule.

Two weeks ago, according to Fox, “115 members of Congress signed a letter requesting Secretary Vilsack to complete a comprehensive economic analysis of a rule proposed by GIPSA which would essentially ‘put some teeth’ in the Packers and Stockyards Act.”

In his response to the Congressmen Secretary Vilsack declined the request for further analysis prior to the November 22 comment deadline, stating in part, “The proposed rule has started a dialogue on a number of complex issues in the livestock and poultry marketplace. The proposal is a first step in an important process that will include serious consideration of the public comments and further cost-benefit analysis based on those comments”.

Although the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the American Meat Institute (AMI) strongly oppose the proposed rule, most cow-calf producers see it as a means of finally allowing ranchers to claim their fair share of the beef dollar.  The Packers & Stockyards Act was enacted in 1921 as a means of protection for the cattle producer, but due to lack of rules and regulations has never been completely enforceable.

Fox said “immediately on the heels of Secretary Vilsack’s announcement AMI came out with another series of innuendos and scare tactics in an attempt to kill this proposal.  Those who have benefited from the lack of enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act are vehemently opposed to the new rule.”

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association applauds this administration and Secretary Vilsack for standing in support of thousands of cattlemen in this country.

Please send comments to: comments.gipsa@USDA.gov ; or fax to: 202-690-2173 or US Mail to: Tess Butler; GIPSA, USDA; 1400 Independence Ave., SW , Room 1643-S; Washington , DC 20250-3604

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The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association is a grassroots organization whose individual producer rmembers determine issues of importance to the state's livestock industry.  With input into the policy development, each member has the opportunity to influence SDSGA's policy and priorities. For more information please contact at www.southdakotastockgrowers.org or phone 605-342-0429

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 16, 2010

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

            www.southdakotastockgrowers.org

South Dakota Stockgrowers Host Annual Convention & Trade Show

South Dakota Stockgrowers again hosted a fun and informative Convention and Trade Show on September 9^th and 10^th at the new Comfort Suites and Convention center in Rapid City , SD

The dinner for the past presidents is always the kick-off of the convention and this year was no exception.  Past presidents and spouses were invited to an excellent prime rib dinner as guests of the present Board of Directors.

The meat and potatoes of the convention began on Thursday morning with the opening ceremony conducted by the Rapid City Central High School Color Guard under the direction of Major Connelly.

Stockgrowers’ President Kenny Fox, Belvidere said he was “impressed with this year's speakers who further educated us on the important issues we face in the cattle industry today”.

Morning speakers started off with Craig Shaver, Sturgis, director and chairman of the Property Rights Committee who is always a great promoter of these rights and does an excellent job of presenting the facts. Shaver was joined by Anita Lee, Hereford , SD rancher as the two of them presented objections and information on the proposed Ellsworth Air Force Training Expansion and explained the problems for ranchers in that area.  Craig’s committee was followed by the Brand & Theft committee who held a business and informational meeting in lieu of hiring a speaker.

Other speakers and informational meetings of the day included Chuck Berdan, Belle Fourche BLM Land & Wildlife Program who gave an especially interesting presentation on the Sage Grouse and answered questions from many of the convention attendees.  Also included in Thursday’s meetings was interesting information from Blair Dunn, General Counsel , SD Department of Agriculture on legal issues regarding wilderness areas and relative subjects. This, of course is especially interesting to local residents due to the proposed Wilderness Area in Western South Dakota .

The luncheon program on Thursday brought a full house of ranchers, business folks, and news media as the Stockgrowers produced a forum which allowed voters to ask direct questions of the U.S. House of Representatives Candidate Kristi Noem and gubernatorial candidates Dennis Daugaard and Scott Heidepriem.  Chase Adams , news caster for KBHB radio, Sturgis , SD did an excellent job of moderating questions posed by the audience.

Always a favorite speaker, Bill Bullard CEO R-CALF USA spoke to the Marketing Committee on Thursday and also was the featured keynote speaker at the Recognition Banquet Friday night.  Bullard brought to light some very interesting facts regarding beef demand as it relates to producer prices and also import vs export markets.  As always his presentations are supported by documented facts which gives the listener the assurance of an honest presentation.

Reverend David Ostendorf, Executive Director for Center for New Community based in Chicago , Illinois was an impressive “Support rural America Banquet” keynote speaker for Thursday night.  Reverend Ostendorf spoke on the subject of labor as it relates to the packing industry.  Reverend Ostendorf also brought the Stockgrowers some inspirational thoughts at Friday morning’s breakfast.

Fox said “ If you missed this convention, you missed a good one!”  He mentioned several speakers including Mike Callicrate who spoke on the WTO and the control that big retailers, multinational corporation and many of the big box stores have over producers and consumers.

Ranchers had a chance to hear Brad Redlin, National Agricultural Program Director for the Izaak Walton League who presented information regarding the Sod-Saver Bill and other areas of interest to grass land producers.  And to vary the subjects of interest ranchers had a chance to listen to and to visit with Randall McKee, nationally-known and respected estate planner from right here in Rapid City as he brought information regarding his “Estate Planner In A Box”.

Fox stated: “Another interesting speaker is State Veterinarian Dr Dustin Oedekoven who brought us up to date on various livestock diseases and also on the present state of the Animal Disease Traceability System which will replace the now defunct NAIS.”

The Ag and Natural Resources Committee brought Rick Vallery, Ft Pierre, to the podium as a very interesting speaker giving some good information on water quality standards as we deal with runoffs and other areas of contamination, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) stand in these areas.

According to Stockgrowers’ Vice President Shane Kolb , Meadow, SD the Convention was not all information and studies.  He said “We always have an ice cream social with ice cream donated and served by SDSU. Each person then takes their bowl of ice cream and visits each of the vendor booths in search of their favorite topping.  Some of the sundaes get pretty big with everything from bananas to chocolate syrup and everything in between. Other fun things involve a silent auction and a live auction.

Both of these auctions provide funds for the Stockgrowers and are enjoyed by everyone.  We want to thank our auctioneer Frank Bloom, Rapid City & Scenic , SD for doing a great job of selling and helping everyone have a fun evening”.

Fox said “It was a great Annual Convention and we would like to thank everyone who helped, including vendors, banner sponsors, auction donations, hotel and meal time help and many, many more.”

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Note:  The SD Stockgrowers Assoc. is a non-partisan, non-profit organization.  We do not support or endorse any candidate or political affiliation.  We do strive to inform our members about issues that impact the organization's policy.  This press release is published by the Stockgrowers with permission, and is intended to inform our membership on the issue of Public Lands policies.

September 8, 2010                                                                                    

Kristi Noem Supports Multiple Use Land Management for Western South Dakota Grasslands

RAPID CITY – Kristi Noem, candidate for South Dakota’s lone seat in the U.S. House, announced today she would oppose legislation to designate certain wilderness areas in the National Forest System in Western South Dakota as introduced by Senator Tim Johnson.  Kristi met with concerned landowners and stakeholders earlier this summer and will be speaking at the South Dakota Stockgrowers Convention on Thursday regarding this issue.

"I believe this federal land grab is a solution in search of a problem," said Noem.  "Multiple use management of these lands has been successful. We should continue what has worked in order to preserve and protect these lands and to ensure these lands are available to be enjoyed by the public."

"This bill would open the door to the possible reduction and elimination of grazing on the designated lands; It would threaten the rights and livelihoods of those with grazing permits in the proposed wilderness areas; and it also has the potential to compromise the control of forest fires, prairie dogs, and noxious weeds in the designated areas. Wilderness designation would also adversely affect motorized recreation and rock hounds," said Noem.

"We need to look no further than the Black Hills to see how the federal government manages the land we hand over to them. Our federal forests have been neglected and mismanaged by the bureaucracy and now we are dealing with an extremely serious pine beetle epidemic and the threat of catastrophic fire,” Noem said.

The bill, S. 3310, would designate as wilderness areas nearly 50,000 acres in the Indian Creek, Red Shirt, and Chalk Hills areas of Western South Dakota. There is significant opposition to this proposed wilderness designation from those who live near, use, and who own grazing rights to the lands at issue.

There is overwhelming local opposition to S 3310. The county commissions in Pennington, Custer, Meade, Fall River, and Jackson counties have passed resolutions opposing the wilderness designation. Over two dozen South Dakota organizations oppose the wilderness designation including the South Dakota Stockgrowers and Black Hills Regional Multiple Use Coalition. Governor Rounds also opposes this wilderness designation.

September 1, 2010

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

www.southdakotastockgrowers.org

  Stockgrowers Host Annual Convention

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association takes great pleasure in issuing this invitation to their Annual Trade Show and Convention.  We invite ranchers and consumers alike to be on hand September 9^th and 10^th at the new Comfort Suites and Convention Center in Rapid City on Elk Vale Road at I-90 Exit 61 across from McDonald’s and Wendy’s.

According to Stockgrowers’ President Kenny Fox, Belvidere , SD we will honor our past presidents on Wednesday evening and then begin registration at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday morning.

Following a 7:30 breakfast the Trade Show and Silent Auction opens with a large number of interesting and informative booths, each with a silent auction item to be bid on throughout the next 2 days.

Fox said “Colors will be presented at 8:00 and the first speaker of the day, Rick Vallery, Pierre , SD will speak to the Ag and Natural Resources Committee at 8:15.”

The Brand & Theft Committee will meet at 9:30 and will have only an information and business meeting without a speaker this time.

Chuck Berdan, Belle Fourche with the BLM Lands & Wildlife Program will wind up the morning speakers at 10:45.

Fox said “the Thursday noon luncheon besides being a great barbequed beef meal will be a busy and informative time.  We have both gubernatorial candidates, Scott Heidepriem and Dennis Daugaard as well as U.S. House candidate, Kristi Noem coming to answer questions from the audience.  We will also be introducing any of our Congressional Delegates or staff who will be attending at that time.”

Following the no-dessert luncheon folks will be making their own ice cream sundaes with SDSU ice cream and most any topping you can imagine which will be available at all of the vendor booths.

Fox explained “ We have great speakers lined up for the afternoon including Blair Dunn, General Counsel for SD Department of Agriculture in the Federal Lands Committee at 2:00 followed by R-CALF CEO Bill Bullard in the Marketing Committee.”

We wind up the Thursday part of the convention with a great new speaker David Ostendorf who is Executive Director for Center for New Community based in Chicago Illinois .

Then on Friday morning we begin the day with David Ostendorf who is also an ordained Minister and will be speaking at our Inspirational Breakfast at 7:00 a.m.

Our Education/Taxation/Legislation Committee will be sponsoring Brad Redlin the National Izaak Walton League Agriculture Program Director who was raised in Montana and now living in Minnesota .

Fox said “For our Trade Committee speaker we have brought back, by popular demand, Mike Callicrate, a rancher, feeder, beef connoisseur from St Francis. Kansas

At lunch time on Friday we will hear a local speaker and business owner Randy McKee of McKee Companies, Rapid City .  As Randy finishes up everyone will be waiting to hear whether they were high bidders on a large array of items which have been displayed at various vendor booths.

Our very capable speaker and director from the Property Rights Committee will be speaking at 1:30 and then following a short coffee and tea break we will be ready to begin our annual general membership meeting.  This is very important in that is where the members of the organization set the policies for the coming year.  Every member has one vote which directs this organization.  If there is one time throughout these two days that is extremely important, this is it.

We wind up these two day with a social hour at 6:00 pm followed by a delicious steak dinner recognition banquet and a presentation by a favorite of everyone – Bill Bullard CEO R-CALF USA . Bill is an extremely good speaker and always gives a great presentation full of documented facts.

The fun part of the convention is the live auction which takes place following the dinner.

Fox stated “We’ll have Frank Bloom as our auctioneer.  Frank does a great job of selling and always keeps bidders on their toes, and everyone has fun doing it.

Fox said “on behalf of the Board of Directors and everyone who has a part in making this another successful, fun convention we extend our heartfelt thanks and look forward to a great new year.”

August 31, 2010

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

www.southdakotastockgrowers.org

South Dakota Producers Support Proposed GIPSA Rule At Ft Collins DOJ/USDA Hearing

Over 150 livestock producers from South Dakota and some from North Dakota and Montana boarded buses in Rapid City and Ft Pierre or hopped in cars to travel to Ft Collins Colorado on August 26 in preparation for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and U.S. Department of Agriculture

(USDA) which was held the next day. This meeting is the fourth in a series of first-time-ever joint meetings hosted by the DOJ and USDA, the two agencies responsible for the investigation and enforcement of anti-competition, anti-trust and price fixing violations.

Somewhere around 2000 to 3000 producers from all over the nation attended the meeting held at the Colorado State University Lory Student Center, Main Ballroom in Ft Collins, Colorad.

 The meeting opened with remarks from Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack and DOJ Attorney General Eric Holder both of whom spoke of the need to preserve Rural America and to stop the devastating decrease in livestock operations.  Opening remarks were followed by a roundtable discussion by dignitaries including Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. and others of his cabinet, along with Christine Varney, Assistant U.S. Attorney General and Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock.

The first of three panels was seated at 10:15 and included seven feeders and producers from Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska along with rancher Butch Livermont, Interior, S. D. and Dr Taylor Haynes, a rancher from near Cheyenne, Wyo.

Following lunch and public testimony the second panel was seated at 1:30 p.m. Panelists were mostly business managers, lending services, economists, but also included Gilles Stockton, well known rancher from Range, Montana.

South Dakota Stockgrowers’ Marketing Chairman, Vaughn Meyer, Reva, SD was one of the first to speak from the floor.  Today Vaughn said “ There was very good dialog among the producers and independent family producers who spoke from the floor were strong supporters of the proposed GIPSA rule.”

Vaughn also stated that he was “impressed by the attention and concern Secretary Vilsack, Attorney General Holder and other DOJ and USDA officials gave to the stories of injustices presented by independent producers.” 

According to Stockgrowers’ Executive Director Margaret Nachtigall, “South Dakota Stockgrowers have long been aware of the vertical integration of the hog and poultry industries and the fact that hog and poultry growers are basically tenants on their own land. We fully support the proposed rule which would allow enforcement of the 90 year old Packers and Stockyards Act. However, we are extremely disappointed with the lies and innuendos that are being distributed by a few organizations that oppose it but still purport to be supporters of the livestock industry.” 

Stockgrowers were very pleased with the attendance, the conduct of the meeting and the overall effort put forth by DOJ and USDA to hear the concerns of the people on the land.

Stockgrowers also want to extend a huge Thank You to the folks who took time away from their own busy schedules, chores, jobs and all, to show bodily support or 2 minutes at the microphone for a cause that is vitally important to Rural America.

August 20, 2010

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

www.southdakotastockgrowers.org

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association Applauds Senators on GIPSA

South Dakota Stockgrowers were excited to learn of the recent letter sent to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack , signed by 21 Senators in support of this country’s livestock producers.

Stockgrowers’ president Kenny Fox, Belvidere said “South Dakota Senator Tim Johnson, always a staunch supporter of livestock producers in our great state, along with Iowa Senator Tom Harkin , has secured the signature of 19 bipartisan colleagues who support the proposed rule.”

The proposed rule which was recently announced by the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) is the result of directives in the 2008 Farm Bill that instructed GIPSA to provide rules which would in effect “put some teeth in the P&SA”

The proposed rule is designed to provide protection to the individual, grassroots, livestock producers in a number of ways. It will clarify certain conduct as “unfair, unjustly discriminatory or is a deceptive practice or device”.   I t establishes that a producer who is the victim of unfair, and/or deceptive practices is able to file suit without having to prove damage to the entire industry if he/she is the recipient of such practices.

It also prohibits a packer who needs to fill a week’s supply from utilizing a captive supply by procuring from another packer, thus staying out of the open market. The rule seeks to improve market transparency

Fox said “South Dakota Stockgrowers are again thankful to Senators Johnson, Harkin and 19 other senators who understand the 2008 Farm Bill and realize the need for a level playing field which will allow cow/calf producers and small feeders to receive their fair share of the beef dollar.”

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For over 120 years the mission of South Dakota Stockgrowers Association has remained unchanged “to promote and protect the South Dakota livestock industry”.  For more information visit www.southdakaotastockgrowers.org or call 605-342-0429

July 23, 2010

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association Supports USDA/GIPSA

South Dakota Stockgrowers agree with 64 other organizations, in a sign-on letter to the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, that the recently written rule regarding the Packers and Stockyards Act (P&SA) is necessary and according to directives in the 2008 Farm Bill.

Tuesday a group of lawmakers seated on the U.S. House Ag subcommittee proceeded to rebuke United States Department of Agriculture/ Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Act (USDA/GIPSA) officials, Administrator J. Dudley Butler and Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Edward Avalos for what the lawmakers said was outside the authority of USDA/GIPSA.

The letter, in part, said “Contrary to statements made during the hearing, USDA-GIPSA is well within its authority to issue these regulations. In fact, USDA-GIPSA is primarily responding to the directive of Congress in Title XI of the 2008 Farm Bill to promulgate regulations to establish criteria the Agency will use in determining which poultry and livestock industry practices it considers to be in violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 (P&S Act).

The P&S Act makes it unlawful for packers, swine contractors, and live poultry dealers to engage in any “unfair, unjustly discriminatory, or deceptive practice or device,” or to “make or give any undue or unreasonable preference or advantage to any particular person or locality in any respect, or subject any particular person or locality to any undue or unreasonable prejudice or disadvantage in any respect.”

Unfortunately, USDA-GIPSA has never issued the regulations necessary to define these broad prohibitions in order to adequately enforce the protections for livestock and poultry producers. As a result, the agency has been widely criticized by the Government Accountability Office, USDA’s own Inspector General, and outside stakeholder groups for its lack of enforcement of the P&S Act.”

On June 18, 2010 new rules were written which will provide enforcement of the almost 90 year old P&SA for the first time.

South Dakota Stockgrowers strongly support USDA/GIPSA and the recently proposed rule. For the first time in history cow/calf producers may be able to receive their fair share of the cattle market.

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

www.southdakotastockgrowers.org

South Dakota Stockgrowers Join 55 in Letter to GIPSA

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association is part of a group of 56 organizations who recently sent a letter to J. Dudley Butler , Administrator, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)

The purpose of the letter is to urge Butler to deny requests to extend a 60 day comment period by 120 days.  The comment period in question has been established for public comments on a proposed rule which would address unfair and deceptive practices in the livestock markets. 

Stockgrowers’ President Kenny Fox, Belvidere said “The proposed rule would enable enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act which was implemented in 1921 and has not yet been fully enforced”.

The letter states that the 56 organizations “firmly believe the 60-day public comment period established in the 17-page Proposed Rule provides ample time to fully assess and evaluate the succinct provisions contained therein. We further believe the provisions contained in the Proposed Rule are tremendously important to the goal of reestablishing equity between disaggregated U.S. livestock and poultry producer and the highly concentrated meatpacking industries.” The letter further stated “We respectfully request that GIPSA hold firm its original 60-day pubic comment period for the Proposed Rule.”

Fox also stated “Any extension beyond the present August 23, 2010 date would pose one more hardship for cow/calf producers in that it would virtually guarantee a decision well past this year’s calf delivery dates and next year’s yearling delivery dates.  One more year could be the deciding factor for the survival of some operations.”

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

www.southdakotastockgrowers.org

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association Thanks Senator Thune

 South Dakota Stockgrowers Association appreciates Senator Thune’s continued support for South Dakota ’s farmers and ranchers as he spoke at the Senate Energy Committee Public Lands & Forests Subcommittee hearing on June 16^th.

Senator Thune spoke in opposition to the Tony Dean Cheyenne River Valley Conservation Act of 2010, a proposed wilderness area which would include 48,000 acres of Red Shirt, Indian Creek and Chalk Hills areas of the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands in South Western South Dakota.

Senator Thune stated that he shares the concerns of farmers and ranchers who fear that the wilderness designation would ultimately impact their operations.

He said “This land has ample restrictions already in place that have successfully kept this area in a pristine condition. I would caution this committee against imposing additional restrictions against the will of the local stakeholders.”

The Senator introduced Scott Edoff, a 4^th generation rancher who has a grazing permit in this area and who gave testimony in opposition to the wilderness designation.  He said

“Scott’s testimony before the committee reflects not only his family’s views, but also the concerns of 30 government, trade, recreation, tourism, and agriculture associations that have weighed in against the proposed wilderness designation in South Dakota ”

Documents show that South Dakota ’s Governor Rounds and SD Legislature also oppose the wilderness designation.

The Stockgrowers thank Senator Thune for speaking on behalf of South Dakota ’s ranching community.

June 21, 2010

Contact: Silvia Christen, Development Director

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

Stockgrowers Plan Trip to South America

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association is taking reservations for an exciting trip to travel across Chile and Argentina this fall, from October 12 to October 22.  Reservations for the tour can be made no later than July 15 by calling Leslie at 605-341-0744.

“This trip was built specifically for us to see what farming and ranching is really like in another part of the world and it’s a very unique opportunity,” said Silvia Christen of the SD Stockgrowers.  “We’ll be traveling with other ranchers from South Dakota , and we have a Spanish speaking tour guide to help us get around the country and the language.”

The tour starts off in Santiago , Chile with three days of tours to wineries, cattle feeding operations, ranches, the shipping docks at the Port of Valparaiso , and some time to explore the city of Santiago .  From there, the tour crosses over the Andes Mountains into Argentina .  

We’ll spend 4 days enjoying tours of grass fed and conventional beef operations, local wineries, grain elevators, a farming operation, and tour the Cactus Feeders feedlot.  The tour ends with a few days around historic Buenos Aires , Argentina with a Tango dance show, tours of this enormous city, and a trip to the Liniers Cattle Auction which boasts some of the largest cattle auctions in the world, 5-days a week.

“The trip is open to anyone, and there’s only a few weeks left to make your reservations,” said Christen.  “Our travel agent can make arrangements for anyone from anywhere in the US .

For more information about this trip visit www.southdakotastockgrowers.org or call Silvia Christen at 605342-049.

June 21, 2010

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

www.southdakotastockgrowers.org

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association Thanks Local Rancher

Rancher Scott Edoff, Hermosa testified before the United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in Washinton , D.C. June 16, 2010.  Scott testified on behalf of several organizations including South Dakota Stockgrowers in opposition to the Tony Dean Cheyenne River Valley Conservation Act of 2010, a proposed Wilderness designation for the Red Shirt, Indian Creek, and Chalk Hills areas of the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands.

Edoff is a 4^th generation rancher whose ancestors began ranching in that area in 1887. He and his family still ranch there and have a grazing permit on the proposed Indian Creek Wilderness.

Edoff said “I find it tremendously ironic that multiple use management has been so successful that Wilderness advocates now believe that Wilderness designation is necessary to protect these areas from the very management that has resulted in the current conditions.” 

He further stated, “if these areas are not designated as Wilderness, they will still be rugged, remote, and inaccessible many years from now.  That’s just the character of the land.  I believe in multiple use management, and in sharing these special places with other users.  A lot of people and groups have an interest in this Wilderness proposal, but for me and the other permittees, it’s not just about recreation, it’s about the future of our family business.

Documents indicate the proposed Wilderness designation is opposed by Governor Rounds, County Commissioners in four counties, the Black Hills Badlands and Lakes Association, most of the permittees, the local rockhound organization, and motorized recreation organizations.

According to Stockgrowers Executive Director, Margaret Nachtigall many of the concerns of ranchers is the fact that too many wilderness areas are overrun by prairie dogs, Canada Thistle, and other pests to the extent that grazing has to be reduced due to lack of forage.

Nachtigall said “out hats are off to Scott for taking the time and resources to make the trip to Washington , DC and for providing such excellent testimony.”

June 18, 2010

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

South Dakota Stockgrowers Pleased with USDA’s Proposed Rule

Stockgrowers were extremely pleased when they saw United States Department of Agriculture’s proposed rules for the Packers & Stockyards Act of 1921 (P&SA).

USDA today released newly written rules and regulations on the Packers & Stockyards Act as required in the 2008 Farm Bill. As Grain Inspection, Packers & Stockyards (GIPSA) Administrator, J Dudley Butler told Stockgrower members at last years convention “The Packers & Stockyards Act will be enforced”. According to Stockgrowers’ Vice President, Shane Kolb , Meadow, SD “we are now seeing this come to fruition and we are excited.” He added, “I believe this is just a prelude of what’s to come.”

The new rules, which will can be commented on between now and August 23^rd, when implemented will go a long way towards helping producers who are fighting for survival in a market controlled by meatpackers. The proposed rule will prohibit packers from unreasonable preferences or advantages for one producer over another.  It also provides that a producer when challenging unlawful treatment does not have to prove damage to the industry, as they do now; he/she will only have to prove injury to his/her own business.

Kolb also stated: “This is absolutely necessary for the survival of our United States farmers and ranchers and rural America as we know it.  We needed a provision to allow for enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act - without it the large conglomerates will control not only the meat industry, but the cattle industry as well.”

June 2, 2010

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

SD Stockgrowers Invite All Interested to June Meeting

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) invites local cattle producers, feeders and anyone interested in rural economics to join them in Highmore , S.D. , June 10 2010, for their upcoming Quarterly Meeting. All meetings will be held at the Grand Lodge in Highmore.

According to information from the Stockgrowers’ office in Rapid City committee meetings will be held throughout the day addressing issues in Trade, Animal Health and ID, Property Rights, Taxation, Ag & Natural Resources, and others.

Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. CDT with the Trade Committee leading off at 8:30. Other committee meetings will follow with Linda Gilbert, Buffalo winding up the morning session with a Cattlemens’ Beef Board (CBB) update at 11:30.  Ernie Mertz , Bowdle will address the noon time crowd with an update on the Beef CheckOff.

The afternoon will see more committee meetings with the Brand and Theft committee leading off at 1:00 p.m. under the direction of District 14 Director, Jim Murphy , Reliance, SD.  Other committee meeting in the afternoon are the Wildlife Committee, Education/Taxation/&Legislation, Ag and Natural Resources and the Finance Committee.

Joan Wollschlager, District 17 Director from Lake Preston said emphasized that everyone is welcome to attend all events – including committee meetings. “We encourage non-members as well as members to join us – we’d love to meet some local producers with an interest in the future of our rural economy and the viability of our industry.

Wollschlager added “This is truly a grass roots organization, allowing members and prospective members to ask questions, make comments and then address those issues in a straightforward manner.  The members I have worked with for the past decade take precious time from their own ranches and feed yards to help our cattle industry - the stuff on their boots is for real.  I invite everyone to take the day to join us for some up front conversation on improving the cattle producer’s chance of passing that family operation down to another member.”

President Kenny Fox stated that SD Stockgrowers wish to thank the Highmore Booster Club for providing supper at the Hyde County Memorial Auditorium at 7:00 pm.

Tentatively a tour of Watertown area farms and ranches has been scheduled for Friday, June 11 with a Barbeque to follow for the evening meal.  More information will be available at the Thursday afternoon meeting.

May 26, 2010

For More Information Contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

www.southdakotastockgrowers.org  

South Dakota Stockgrowers Support US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association is very appreciative of US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack's stand on the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's (NCBA) Governance Task Force (GTF) recommendation for the restructuring part of their organization that would affect the Beef Check Off Program.

According to a letter to NCBA's president, Steve Foglesong,  Secretary Vilsack states he has," serious concerns with the approach" of the GTF recommendations. SD Stockgrowers share those concerns due to the extent of the control the GTF is apparently recommending over the Federation of State Beef Councils and the extension of the policy side of the organization into the checkoff program.

Stockgrowers' Marketing Chairman Vaughn Meyer, Reva, S.D. stated that "the reduction of the firewall between the checkoff program and the policy side of NCBA could sever relations with individual producers and those in other organizations to the extent that the program would be inoperative."

Secretary Vilsack warns that the future existence of the Beef Check Off Program relative to the proposed GTF recommendations which impact the State Beef Councils (Federation) must include the following fire walls:

1.    The federation must be an independent organization. This requirement does not prohibit the federation from contracting for its administrative or other services with other organizations.  This requirement is consistent with the structure and administration of other check off programs where there is a clear distinction between policy organizations and check off programs.

2.    All funding decisions relating to check off activities must be made by the Federation and the Cattlemen's Beef Board and not by policy organizations.

3.    The Federation's members who serve on the Beef Promotion Operating Committee are to be nominated and elected only by the Federation.

4.    Federation members must not vote on policy matters, nor be required to purchase a seat in any policy organization.

5.    Regardless of structure, policy organizations should not be permitted to influence, determine outcomes, or vote on check off decisions.

6.    Animal Marketing Service (AMS) has statutory and regulatory oversight of the Federation and the Board.

7.    Failure to implement all of these firewalls would raise serious legal concerns as to whether the restructuring complies with the provisions of the Act and Order.

Secretary Vilsack's stern warning against GTF reorganization is a positive step for the preservation of the Beef Promotion Act and Order and our producer driven check off program.  Secretary Vilsack reiterated similar producer concerns for further transparency between the

Federation and its contracting policy organizations.  

The Beef Check Off Program was conceived through a 1984 producer referendum and became a concept by which beef producers could collectively promote their products.  The Beef Check Off program is producer funded and driven with over 97% of the producers represented through their established State Beef Councils and the Federation.

The South Dakota Stock Growers support and applaud the Secretary's decision to uphold our beef promotion program.  His stand on this issue demonstrates his approval for the endeavors of our state beef councils and Federation to promote, educate and support future research for our beef products.

March 26, 2010

For More Information Contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

www.southdakotastockgrowers.org

South Dakota Stockgrowers Applaud State Attorney General on Anti-Trust Efforts

South Dakota Stockgrowers are pleased to learn that South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is one of 16 attorneys general who signed on to a letter of recommendations recently submitted to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ).

Recommendations included a study of concentration and property rights in the seed industry, enforcement of the Packers & Stockyards Act (P&SA) which was implemented in 1921 but not enforced.

Livestock producers in South Dakota as well as other states have, for many years, asked for strong enforcement of the P&SA as they deal with more and more price manipulation, unfair trade practices and other harmful anti-competitive actions.

Stockgrowers and others have additionally requested assistance from DOJ in merger issues which ultimately move power to large multinational corporations at the expense of family farms and ranches.

USDA and DOJ have set series of meetings throughout the country to address these issues and to gather input from the grassroots members of agriculture.

The first meeting of the series was held in Ankeny , Iowa on March 12, 2010 and has been acclaimed a success by most in attendance. Other meetings are scheduled for May 21, Normal , Alabama , June 7, Madison , Wisconsin , August 26, Fort Collins , Colorado and December 8, Washington , D.C.

Stockgrowers are excited that USDA, the DOJ and these Attorneys General are coming together with farmers and ranchers and consumers in an effort to address the problems in our ag industry.

March 19, 2010

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:
605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com
www.southdakotastockgrowers.org

South Dakota Stockgrowers ask for Disease Protection  

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association was dismayed at the recent notification of the 18th case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) discovered in Canada.

Stockgrowers’ president Kenny Fox, Belvidere, SD hand delivered a letter to US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack’s staff members on March 15, 2010 once more urging the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to restrict imports of potentially diseased cattle.

The letter delivered to Secretary Vilsack, and copied to SD Sec of Agriculture, Bill Even, SD State Veterinarian, Dr Oedekoven, SD Department of Agriculture Executive Policy Analyst, Blair Dunn, Senator Johnson, Senator Thune and Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin again asked USDA to close the borders to cattle from countries that not only endanger the health of the Unite States cattle herd, but the health of the United States citizens.

President Fox’s letter said in part “Mr. Secretary, you stated on February 5, 2010 when you put the NAIS to rest and I quote: “Although USDA has a robust system in place to protect U.S. agriculture, with today’s announcement, the Department will also be taking additional actions to further strengthen protections against the entry and spread of disease. These steps will include actions to lessen the risk from disease introduction, initiating and updating analyses on how animal diseases travel into the country, improving response capabilities, and focusing on greater collaboration and analyses with States and industry on potential disease risk overall”.

  President Fox further stated “I applaud and commend you for this decision and because of this decision I respectfully urge you to close the borders not only to the BSE threats from Canada, but also Bovine Tuberculosis threats from Mexico.”

In October 2007 South Dakota Stockgrowers joined R-CALF USA and 9 other plaintiffs in a complaint filed against (USDA) in opposition to a proposed rule which would allow the importation of live cattle born after March 1, 1999.  Cattle of this age are extremely prone to (BSE).

On July 3 of the following year Judge Lawrence L. Piersol in United States District Court remanded the rule back to USDA at which time he also ordered them to file quarterly status reports to the Court.

However, the Judge’s ruling did not prevent the implementation of the rule and these older cattle are now routinely imported into the United States.

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association signed a letter, along with 39 other organizations November 17, 2009 requesting USDA to restore our disease protection to the levels they were  prior to relaxing the BSE restriction. A paragraph from that letter says “The proper policy is to bring United States’ BSE regulations in line with past standards, which were more closely aligned to the current standards of our trading partners.  Animal health as well as food and product safety, should be held in higher regard than trade facilitation.  Public support for such a change is clear.  The industry need is clear.  Consumer confidence would increase.  The United States’ current trade imbalances would become more balanced.  Risks to animal and human health would be drastically reduced.” 

- # # # -

March 11, 2010

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:
605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com
www.southdakotastockgrowers.org

South Dakotans Appointed to National Board

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association was pleased to receive notification from the USDA Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack confirming the appointment of Linda Gilbert, Buffalo , SD to the Cattlemens Beef Promotion and Research Board (CBB). 

The CBB is authorized by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985.  It oversees the collection of the $1-per-head beef checkoff which is assessed against the sale of all cattle sold in the United States and a per-head equivalent for imported beef and beef products.

The CBB also shares with the Operating Committee, the responsibility of contracting with certain non-profit organizations who choose to provide consumer education, promotion, research, foreign marketing and other beef related programs.

South Dakota Stockgrowers’ Marketing Committee Chairman, Vaughn Meyer , Reva , SD said “we applaud Secretary Vilsack’s appointment of Linda Gilbert to the CBB.  Linda’s dedication of service to numerous state and local organization along with her steadfast commitment to our beef industry makes her an excellent spokesperson for South Dakota and our beef promotion activities.”

Linda and her husband Ray are 4^th generation ranchers on the Gilbert Angus Ranch, Buffalo , SD. They operate a commercial cow/calf family owned business that focuses on the use and conservation of natural resources.  Partners in the operation include daughter Andrea, son and wife Lloyd and Patty and grandchildren Sawyer and Grey.

Linda is a long time member of the Stockgrowers Association, a 5 year member of the Board of Directors and currently is Chairperson of the Ag and Natural Resources Committee.

She is an active member of R-CALF USA , Dakota Rural Action, the Black Hills Stock Show Foundation, and various other local organizations.

Linda is a graduate of Black Hills State University with a BA in Education and a minor in psychology.

Linda is one of two new appointees from South Dakota – Danni Beer s, Keldron , SD was also appointed to the board. South Dakota Stockgrowers are excited about these appointments and very appreciative of Secretary Vilsack’s interest and support of the Checkoff program.

March 9, 2010

CONTACT: Silvia Christen - (605) 342-0429

ATTACHED: Class photograph

 SD Stockgrowers Agritourism Business Course Graduates Thirty

 Thirty individuals from across western South Dakota celebrated the completion of a five week Agritourism business planning course at South Dakota Stockgrowers Association office on Monday evening.   Graduates of the course, Agritourism: Your next cash crop?, received certificates, and announced the creation and expansion of twelve agritourism businesses.

Jan Jantzen who facilitated the course said, “Each of the graduates have spent twenty hours in class, thinking about the type of experiences they can provide, how they want to package, price and market that experience, and how to do it in a way that makes sense for their ranching operations.  They are as ready as they’ll ever be to start their businesses and I’m confident that we’ll see great things from this group.”

Bill and Cecilia Steen of Scenic attended the course to explore how they could expand their existing hunting business into a working-ranch vacation destination.  “We know what we had on our ranch, and we knew what we needed for a business, but just didn’t know how to start.  This course put us over the first hill.” Bill said, “Taking the class gave us the confidence to know that we can do this, and helped us to develop our ideas into a business plan.”

Twelve of the families attending the course announced new or expanding businesses ranging from trail rides and corporate retreats to chuck-wagon tours, dutch-oven cooking, working ranch vacations, and hunting excursions.

“Stockgrowers is proud to have been able to offer this course to ranchers in South Dakota ,” said Margaret Nachtigall , Executive Director for Stockgrowers.  “We wish all of our graduates the best of luck in their businesses and look forward to seeing them succeed.” 

This course was supported by the South Dakota Community Foundation, the Clarkson Family Foundation, and the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association.  Additional Agritourism courses will be offered in the fall of 2010 and throughout 2011.  Please contact Silvia Christen at the SD Stockgrowers Assoc., 605-342-0429, for more information about enrolling.

Graduates of “Agritourism: Your next cash crop?” announced the expansion or creation of twelve businesses on Monday, March 8 at the Stockgrowers office in Rapid City .

Standing Left to Right: Jacob and Richard Rausch, Hermosa, Bill and Cecilia Steen, Scenic, Jan Jantzen, Emporia, KS, Carol and Bob Rahja of Whitewood, Kendra Paulton of Edgemont, Dave Vinson of Martin, Mark Hollenbeck, Edgemont, Joanne Harmon and Helen Reidlinger of Sturgis, Bill Kluck , Mud Butte, Margaret Maloney, Hot Springs, Luke Lopez of Mobridge, Ned Westphal, Julie and Casey Brazell all of Custer, Margaret Nachtigal, Stockgrowers Exec. Dir., and Scott Walters of Faith.

Seated Left to Right: Kathryn Stewart, Ft. Pierre , Susan Paulton of Edgemont, Vicki Walters, Faith, Silvia Christen, Stockgrowers Staff, David Hauck of Martin and Travis Mickelson of Mud Butte .

Not Pictured: Jessica Deering from Hereford, Susan Ricci, Wasta, Linda Tidball, Edgemont, Dan O’Brien of Hermosa, Jill Maguire, Rapid City, Linda Gilbert of Buffalo, Mark DeVries , Belvidere, Larry Reinhold of Sturgis, and Jim Rothstein of Custer.

March 8, 2010

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

www.southdakotastockgrowers.org

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association Honored

The family of the late Doug Pederson, presented“ Silent Crossing”, a Jon Crane numbered print, to the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association as a memoriam to Doug on Saturday March 6, 2010

On hand to receive the gift was former Chief Brand Inspector, Jim Reed , Belle Fourche along with staff and former staff of the Stockgrowers as well as some of Doug’s friends and coworkers.  Doug’s family from Colorado to Sioux Falls gathered at the Stockgrower office to make the presentation.

Doug was a loyal and highly respected brand inspector for the Stockgrowers for many years continuing until the State of South Dakota ’s acquirement of the brand inspection program. He began his work as a brand inspector in 1988 at Winner Livestock Auction after having previously worked at both Belle Fourche and St Onge Livestock auctions while attending college.

In earlier conversation with Doug regarding his years as brand inspector he said his only regret was that he didn’t start sooner.

Former Chief Brand Inspector Jim Reed said “Doug was a good brand inspector, a good friend and a real asset to the Stockgrowers Brand Inspection Program.”

The South Dakota Stockgrowers are deeply honored to have received such a gift and to have had the chance to work with a man of Doug’s caliber.  

February 25, 2010

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:
605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com
www.southdakotastockgrowers.org

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association 
Enjoys Successful Stock Show

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association would like to express their appreciation to the many individuals who made this year’s Black Hills StockShow a success for their organization.

According to the Stockgrower’s president, Kenny Fox, Belvidere “Scores of folks stopped by the booth to “talk shop” and to pay their annual dues. In addition we gained many new members as people become aware of the work R-CALF and SDSGA are doing. Also many, many individuals bought one or more chances on the R-CALF saddle.” 

Fox explained that the saddle is built by Baxter Badure, Belvidere and sponsored by the following South Dakota businesses; Badure Ranch, Belvidere, First Interstate Bank, Belle Fourche, Sturgis, New Underwood, and Wall; Fort Pierre Livestock, Fort Pierre, Herber Ranch, Kadoka, March Trucking, Hot Springs, Premier Equipment, Mobridge, and South Dakota Stockgrowers Association.

He said “the proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets for the R-CALF saddle goes to benefit R-CALF USA and the work they do for the benefit of all ranchers and rural communities. The raffle tickets are for sale from the beginning of the Black Hills StockShow until the drawing for the winner which takes place the first week-end in June at the matched bronc ride in Fort Pierre.”

From the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association – “our hats are off to all who helped make this a great StockShow.”

February 5, 2010

For More Information Contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

www.southdakotastockgrowers.org

SD Stockgrowers Rejoice at NAIS News

Responding to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack’s announcement this morning that USDA will put to rest the present National Animal Identification System (NAIS), South Dakota Stockgrowers president Kenny Fox stated “This is a banner day for producers in South Dakota and across the country. We applaud the Secretary of Agriculture for listening to the voice of the people. At last summer's listening session in Rapid City 395 of the 400 present stood in opposition to the NAIS program. Many of those 395 people were SD Stockgrower members who have worked for years against NAIS and in support of sensible animal health programs."

Stockgrower Regional Vice President Bill Kluck , Mud Butte, SD stated “We thank the members of South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and R-CALF USA for their participation in the listening sessions throughout the country and for bearing with us when we were told we could not win.”

According to Stockgrowers member Nick Trask, Wasta, “Those individuals who thought NAIS was unreasonable have been vindicated.  To those of us in the livestock business NAIS didn’t make sense from the beginning, but many said we couldn’t stop this program – just had to go along. This shows what you can accomplish when you stand your ground.”

Stockgrower member Rick VanderWey, Valentine, NE said “It’s gratifying to see the Federal Government listen to the people who spoke throughout the country at the listening sessions this past year.  They are hearing the will of the people and this brings back confidence.  This is the beginning of restoring faith in our government.”

Chris Harvey, Stockgrower Director from district 12 commented “We know that a fully implemented voluntary NAIS was not much different than a mandatory one.  Today the news from the USDA is very encouraging. It is gratifying to know that our efforts are paying off.  It goes to show that if you engage the opposition with honesty and integrity you never lose.  Now is not the time to relax.  We still need to be involved to make sure that independent producers’ interests are protected in this new approach from the USDA.”

Fox further stated that we could not have succeeded without the joint efforts of grassroots producers and organizations throughout this country.  To many livestock producers who so passionately fought this battle, at times it seemed like David facing Goliath.” This is an opportunity for all producers to work together with the State Vet to build on the effective and efficient animal health programs already in place in South Dakota . The SD Stockgrowers Association looks forward to cooperating in this effort."

- # # # -

February 1, 2010

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

Stockgrowers Send Request to SD Secretary of Agriculture  

On January 21, 2010,At the request of South Dakota Stockgrowers Association President Kenny Fox , Belvidere , the following letter was delivered to SD Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Even , SD State Veterinarian Dr Dustin Oedekoven and chairmen of the Senate and House Ag Committees. Fox stated “South Dakota Stockgrowers request support of a 12 point plan to update the nation’s system for the traceability of  bovine disease in the United States .  This plan included a previously presented 8 point plan from R-CALF USA .” He stated the organizations who came together with the 12 point plan were American Angus Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, Dairy Farmers of America, Livestock Marketing Association, National Cattlemens Beef Association, R-CALF USA , Texas Cattle Feeders Association, and the US Cattlemens Association.”

Dear Secretary Even,

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association opposes a mandatory national animal identification system (NAIS) for livestock. Such a program is unnecessary, expensive, and duplicative of existing state-run programs. The SD Stockgrowers Association is one of 100 signatories to the November 18, 2009 letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack regarding NAIS funding and withdrawal of federal NAIS regulations. That letter notes that "NAIS is an ill-conceived, burdensome and badly implemented solution for achieving the national objective of improving animal disease prevention and control in the United States ."

While we are opposed to a mandatory NAIS, we do recognize the need for improved animal health systems. Thus, the SD Stockgrowers support R-CALF USA 's 8-point alternative course to NAIS.

The SD Stockgrowers also agree with the findings of the "Report on Cattle Identification Roundtable Discussion, Kansas City , Missouri , November 4-5, 2009 ". We particularly agree with that report's finding that "The first step in improving cattle identification is the individual identification of adult cattle (breeding age cattle 18 months or older, excluding those going into terminal feeding channels) by using the historically established federal and state cattle disease programs as models, such as the Brucellosis and Tuberculosis programs as they existed prior to any NAIS modifications."

In a June 12, 2009 letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack, SD State Veterinarian Oedekoven urged USDA-APHIS to "Keep animal health data at the state level." Dr. Oedekoven also identified the cattle breeding herd as the industry sector most in need of improved ID and traceability.

We note that USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service declined to forecast publication of a final rule on National Animal Identification System; Use of 840 Animal Identification Numbers for U.S.-Born Animals Only, in the agency's semi-annual regulatory agenda published Dec. 7. An APHIS spokesperson has publicly stated that the rules related to the NAIS have been placed on hold.

Our opposition to a mandatory NAIS is absolute. South Dakota producers must not be saddled with an unnecessary, expensive, and duplicative national animal ID system. But, in light of the above, we believe the best course at this time against a mandatory NAIS is to focus our efforts on improvements to existing state-level animal health programs. This will result in better animal health in South Dakota and will help preclude implementation of a mandatory NAIS.

Consequently, we look forward to working with Dr. Oedekoven and with South Dakota government officials to make certain that South Dakota ’s existing animal health programs are working in the best interests of South Dakota family ranchers and farmers and to thereby make a mandatory NAIS completely unnecessary.

Regards,

/s/

Kenny Fox , President

SD Stockgrowers Association

January 27, 2010

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:

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

www.southdakotastockgrowers.org

South Dakota Stockgrowers to Host John Munsell

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association will host John Munsell, Miles City, Montana at their annual Speaker in the Theater event at the Black Hills Stock Show in Rapid City on Monday, February 1.

The event begins at 5:30pm with a reception in the theater lobby sponsored by Heather Kime Territory Manager for Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health.  Munsell will speak at 6:30 in the Civic Center Theater.

Munsell’s family-owned slaughter and processing facility was involved in a recall of 270 lbs of E.coli-contaminated meat in 2002.  He said “USDA’s current method of non-inspection, called Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), is based in political science and science fiction, guaranteeing ongoing outbreaks and recurring recalls.”

Munsells eventually sold the plant in 2005 and John became founder and now manager of the Foundation for Accountability in Regulatory Enforcement (FARE).

The foundation provides support for small meat plants, and provides ideas to the USDA for common sense changes in meat inspection policies.

Stockgrowers are proud to be able to bring someone with John Munsell’s expertise and common sense in the meat industry at a time when meat safety is front and center.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 25, 2010
Contact: Silvia Christen, Development Director 605-342-0429

Agritourism Business Course Offered to SD Ranchers

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association is inviting ranchers to register for an exciting educational course entitled, “Agritourism: Your next cash crop?”.    “Agritourism: Your next cash crop?” is a five day course designed to provide farmers and ranchers with the tools needed to successfully start their own agritourism operations.

“The goal is for participants to be ready to start their agritourism businesses at the end of the fifth class period,” facilitator Jan Jantzen of Emporia, KS said.  “We want to help you think through what you have available on your farm or ranch, and how you can turn that into a successful tourism destination.”

“This is a result-oriented workshop, not an academic exercise,” said Jantzen.

The course was developed in Emporia, KS by the Flint Hills Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Area, Inc.  To date, participants in the course have successfully started over 26 new agritourism businesses.  Mr. Jan Jantzen, of the Flint Hills RC&D facilitates the entire course which will be taught by South Dakota experts on state regulations and licensing, insurance and risk management, marketing, and financial planning. 

“Stockgrowers is very excited to be offering this course,” said Silvia Christen, Development Director for the association.  “This course is a great way to help ranchers in South Dakota explore new economic opportunities, and also a great way to get some of our urban neighbors out to a ranch and help them to experience and learn about the realities of agriculture production and our rural culture.”

The course is set to begin on Monday, February 8, and will meet every Monday for five consecutive weeks, ending on March 8.  Each class meeting will be hosted at the South Dakota Stockgrowers office in Rapid City, and costs ninety-five dollars to enroll.  Each additional person from the same family or business may enroll for only fifty dollars

According to Jantzen, graduates of the course will have named and described their businesses in detail.  They will have identified specific groups of customers they what to serve, and they will have created marketing plans designed to reach them.  Graduates will learn how to use layers of liability protection for their assets; they will know how to price their products and services, and how to manage their income and expenses. 

To learn more about the course, or to register by February 1, visit www.southdakotastockgrowers.org, or contact Silvia Christen at 605-342-0429.

January 14, 2010

For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at:
605-342-0429 or 
margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com

South Dakota Stockgrowers Thank Senators

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association is pleased with work done by South Dakota Senators in support of Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) which was included in the 2008 Farm Bill.  We thank Senator Johnson who is an original sponsor of COOL and has championed it from the beginning and we thank Senator Thune for his ongoing support.

 Led by South Dakota Senator Tim Johnson and Wyoming Senator Mike Enzi, 26 senators including South Dakota Senator John Thune submitted a letter to United States Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack and United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk. The letter made it clear that the United States should be granted the same rights to country of origin labeling as 45 other countries that use the country of origin labeling on certain foods including meats.

 Both Canada and Mexico , who have country of origin labeling laws of their own, have requested a hearing with the World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) charging the United States with unfair trade due to the implementation of (COOL).

 The letter stated, in part, “We believe that, in a manner consistent with General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) obligations, the COOL program as signed into law in the 2008 Farm Bill is nondiscriminatory in its treatment of imported goods, mandating that both domestic and imported goods covered under the law be labeled with country of origin”

Again, our hats are off to our South Dakota Senators.

January 11, 2010

From: R-CALF USA

Chief Enforcer of the Packers and Stockyards Act to Keynote 11^th Annual Convention  

R-CALF USA will hold its 11^th annual convention here Jan. 22-23, 2010, at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel, located at I-90 and Lacrosse St., Exit 59. Keynoting the convention will be J. Dudley Butler, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), the agency charged with the enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 (PSA), which was established to protect independent cattle producers from the unfair and deceptive practices of the concentrated meatpacking industry.   

“Mr. Butler’s presentation is particularly timely, as USDA and the U.S. Department of Justice – for the first time in history – will soon conduct joint workshops on the state of competition in U.S. agricultural markets,” said R-CALF USA President/Region VI Director Max Thornsberry. “In preparation for the workshops, R-CALF USA submitted comprehensive comments and has called on both agencies to take immediate, decisive action to enforce the PSA by prohibiting the meatpackers’ ongoing use of price-depressing, captive supply cattle. 

“As everyone knows, today’s cattle prices do not reflect the severe shortage of cattle we have in this country or the price of beef at the grocery store, and it’s clear that R-CALF is the lead organization in the fight to solve these inequities,” continued  Thornsberry.   

“We only have a few booths left in the trade show area, so any vendors interested in having the opportunity to speak directly with our members who make the day-to-day decisions about their operations should contact me as soon as possible,” said R-CALF USA Membership Services Coordinator Laurel Masterson. She can be reached at 406-252-2516.  

“We are also offering the opportunity to sponsor events, a great advantage to those businesses unable to attend the convention, but still wanting to show their support for R-CALF,” she pointed out. “We’re expecting a good turnout from members as well. This is one of the few opportunities they have to devote two full days working with others to protect the future of the U.S. live cattle industry.” 

The convention opens at 10:00 a.m. local time on Friday, Jan. 22, and at 10:30 a.m., the R-CALF USA Private Property Rights Committee will get things underway with its fourth annual seminar on issues that affect landowners and/or individuals who graze cattle on public lands.  

The luncheon speaker for the day will be Brian O’Shaughnessy, chairman of Revere Copper Products, as well as a representative of the Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA), a group dedicated to reforming harmful U.S. trade policies for agriculture and manufacturing. The afternoon wraps up with reports from the group’s Animal Identification, Checkoff, HACCP (hazard analysis and critical control points) and Animal Health Committees. The highlight for the evening’s dinner will be chief PSA enforcer J. Dudley Butler. 

On Saturday, Jan. 23, the day kicks off with a prayer breakfast. The speaker during the breakfast will be Steven Pratt. The morning continues with reports from the Marketing and COOL (country-of-origin labeling) committees. A presentation by R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard is next, followed by the Membership Committee report.   

The business session, where proposed policy resolutions are brought forward, will flesh out the rest of the afternoon.  

The convention wraps up with an evening banquet, featuring GB Oliver, III, and Bill Reynolds, both with the Paragon Foundation. The Paragon Foundation was created in 1996 to support the advancement of the fundamental principals articulated by the United States’ founding fathers in both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Following the banquet is an exclusive Membership Showcase where participants are encouraged to share any talents they have with the group.  

“We’ve added this new Showcase to provide a relaxing and light-hearted end to what will be a very serious two-day effort to improve the economic and political environment for independent cattle producers,” Masterson said. “It doesn’t matter if the talent is singing, playing an instrument, ventriloquism, dancing or comedy, we’re looking to show our members that even organizations as serious as R-CALF USA still have time for fun and relaxation.”  

Room rates for the event are $89 plus tax per night. Please call 605-343-8550 to make reservations. 

In order for credentialed media to secure complimentary registration and meals, they should contact     R-CALF USA Communications Coordinator Shae Dodson-Chambers at the phone number or e-mail address listed above no later than Jan. 14, 2010.