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News Releases 2008FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 10, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org S.D.
Stockgrowers Invite All to Reva Meeting – Rescheduled Directors and officers of the
South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) hope cattle producers in the Reva
area will join them for an Area Meeting on November 19, 2008 at 6:00 pm at the
Reva Hall. The meeting, originally scheduled
for November 6, 2008 was postponed because of the blizzard in the area. Local director Gilbert said that R-CALF USA
Region 3 Director, Johnny Smith, Other directors who plan to
attend the meeting to visit with ranchers and answer questions about SDSGA
include District 6 Director T.W. Schalesky, Faith, S.D., District 6 Director
Lester Longwood, Lemmon, S.D., and President Larry Nelson, Buffalo, S.D. and
Executive Director Margaret Nachtigall, Owanka, S.D. The Stockgrowers appreciate local sponsors who helped make the meeting possible, including: Buffalo Hardware and Lumber; Cenex of Buffalo; Farmers Union & Erk Services, Buffalo; Gilbert Angus, Buffalo; Henderson Oil, Buffalo; Niemi Ranch Beef, Buffalo; Pioneer Bank & Trust, Buffalo; Reva Store, Reva; Sodak Angus, Sorum. -
# # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 4, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org S.D.
Stockgrowers Post Brand Questionnaire on Website The South Dakota Stockgrowers
Association (SDSGA) encourages all livestock owners in According to SDSGA’s committee
representative, Don Hausle, According to Hausle, the
questions can be found at www.southdakotastockgrowers.org
or on member e-mails sent to SDSGA members or from any other member of the
evaluation committee. For a complete list of committee members or for any other
questions regarding the committee, please contact Don Hausle at 605-391-4726. Currently the S.D. Brand Board,
appointed by the governor, oversees all facets of the brand program, said
Hausle. -
# # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 21, 2008 For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at: 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com SD Stockgrowers Thank State
Officials for Suit against JBS and National Beef The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) was thrilled to learn
that S.D. Attorney General Larry Long took the initiative to help protect The Stockgrowers also appreciate Senators Tim Johnson (D-SD), John Thune
(R-SD) and Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) for hearing the
Stockgrowers’ concerns and then taking action to voice their apprehension
about the proposed merger. According to SDSGA Vice President “ -
# # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 21, 2008 For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at: 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com SD Stockgrowers Help
Protect Market – JBS Merger Questioned by Fed and States The South Dakota
Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) is proud to have played an integral role in the
suit filed to stop JBS’s acquisition of National Beef Company. According to SDSGA
President Larry Nelson, Nelson explains that the U.S. Justice Department and attorneys general from 13 states including South Dakota have challenged JBS over its buyout of National Beef Packing Co., saying the move by one of the world's largest beef producers would hurt U.S. farmers and consumers. “The Stockgrowers strongly oppose any activity that will damage competition in the cattle market. Clearly the merger between two of the world’s largest beef packing companies will negatively impact a market already suffering from very little competition. The merging of two more major packers will be just one more step in industrializing and vertically integrating the cattle industry until we are no different than the poultry or hog industries which both suffer from nearly zero competition for live animals. Our members, along with R-CALF members across the country, have been asking for just this type of intervention and are thrilled to learn that a lawsuit has been filed by our Justice Department along with 13 key agricultural states to stop the merger.” “We know this issue is far from being resolved. Both JBS and National Beef plan to fight the lawsuit, so the Stockgrowers plan to remain diligent in the fight to stop this merger. We expect our attorney general and Justice Department to stay in the battle with us,” said Nelson. JBS, a Brazilian meatpacking company also plans to purchase
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# # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 21, 2008 For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at: 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com SD Stockgrowers Host 60 at
Wall Meeting The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) welcomed local cattle
producers, feeders and others to Wall, S.D., October 16, 2008, for an Area
Meeting. Three speakers representing Past According to SDSGA Region 3 Vice President, In an R-CALF news release sent last week, CEO Bill Bullard stated that “the
R-CALF USA Board of Directors voted to dismiss its lawsuit filed in May 2007
against three former directors of the organization. The lawsuit alleged that the
former directors had breached their fiduciary duty and violated Also according to the news
release, the current Jobgen said that Smith and the other speakers covered this topic and answered questions from the audience. “It is clear that R-CALF USA is continuing down the same road they have
taken since the beginning – one that is focused on ensuring the
continued profitability and viability of independent Jobgen said the locally grown and processed beef meal served by the Red
Rock restaurant was delicious. He said the Stockgrowers appreciate the sponsors that helped make the meal
possible: Cheyenne Charolais, Wasta; Dakota Mill and Grain, Wall; First
Western Bank, Wall; Johnson’s Ranchers’ Supply, Wall; Spear U Angus, Wall;
Todd Trask family Angus, Wasta; Wall Chamber of Commerce and Wall Drug. -
# # # - FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE October 3, 2008 For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at: 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com
www.southdakotastockgrowers.org SD Stockgrowers Cheer COOL
Implementation After years of delays, the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) is thrilled that Country of Origin Labeling has finally become a reality. “It isn’t going to be perfect right away, but nothing
is,” said SDSGA President “We appreciate USDA’s willingness to allow an affidavit
system to certify cattle as The Stockgrowers
now more than ever, urge consumers to ask their grocers for Nelson said the Stockgrowers, along with “We strongly
encourage consumers to insist on a specific ‘country’ label for beef, not a
broad one that encompasses all of According to
Nelson, the Stockgrowers submitted comments to USDA regarding the latest
published regulations, and they will continue their efforts to ensure that
Country of Origin Labeling is fully implemented in a simple and effective way
that benefits consumers and producers. - # # # -
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE September 19, 2008 For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at: 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com
www.southdakotastockgrowers.org SD Stockgrowers Host Dynamite
Convention The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) again
hosted one of the area’s best cattle industry events; the Annual Convention
was held September 11-12, 2008, in President Meeting-goers had the chance to hear William Perry Pendley, property rights attorney with the Mountain States Legal Foundation, Lakewood, Colo., Montana rancher Maxine Korman; property rights attorney Fred Kelly Grant, Nampa, Idaho; local rancher and cattle buyer Howard Huxtable; Missouri cattle producer Ray Cunio; Assistant Director, Food and Water Watch, Patty Lovera, Washington, DC; Organization for Competitive Markets legal counsel Michael Stumo; S.D. Beef Industry Council Director Barry Jennings; Meade County Director of Equalization Kirk Chafee; Pete Gober, U.S. Fish and Wildlife; Bob Paulson, Nature Conservancy; local rancher Joe Logue and many more at the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn. Nelson commended the committee chairmen and SDSGA Executive Director Margaret Nachtigall for lining up exceptional committee speakers. “The caliber of our committee speakers was unbeatable – William Perry Pendley and Fred Kelly Grant, just to name a couple, are nationally renowned speakers and have been friends of the independent cattle industry for years.” Nelson said they aren’t professional speakers, but are “movers and shakers” in the property rights realm. Nelson said two interesting and informative committee meetings he attended were the Property Rights Committee, with Grant as the speaker and the Ag and Natural Resources Committee who heard from Korman. “Maxine spoke about chains of title to property and urged individuals purchasing property to conduct research about the history of the many rights tied to that property, including water rights, mineral rights, surface rights and so on. She said that even though it is common practice to purchase title insurance against unknown encumbrances, it is best to find out before purchasing the property what rights have been sold or leased and to whom. Although this research can be time consuming, it is worthwhile,” said Nelson. “Fred Kelly Grant talked about the importance of local
governments and individuals exercising their rights when it comes to federal and
state projects and actions in their communities.” Nelson said that Grant had
recently spent time in Fox also enjoyed hearing Grant and said one important point made during his presentation was for counties to use the term “coordinate” rather than “cooperate” when they are preparing county plans to deal with the federal government. According to Fox, Ray Cunio was another exceptional
speaker. “Ray has led the fight against the National Animal Identification
System (NAIS) and was successful in working with others in Fox said he was thrilled to see the generosity of
Stockgrower members during fundraising auctions to support a lobbyist. “I
was pleasantly surprised and pleased with the support from our members who
donated their hard-earned money for this important and necessary cause. I
especially appreciate Brent Fox for coming up with the idea of a slave auction
as one of the fund raisers and all of the young folks who donated their
services.” According to Fox,
the members voted to give the youth who donated their time for the slave auction
a free SDSGA membership for one year. Over $7,000 was
raised in two fundraising auctions to fund a lobbyist for the 2009 legislative
session, said Fox. New policies dealing with genetically modified alfalfa, personal rights and others were adopted during the membership meeting. The members also chose to renew their affiliation with R-CALF USA. For a copy of the SDSGA 2008-2009 policy, please contact the office at 605-342-0429. - # # # -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 28, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org Everyone Invited: Speakers to include William Perry Pendley,
Fred Kelly Grant and Randy Stevenson The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) urges
everyone to make plans to join them for their Annual Convention in “We invite everyone to attend; you certainly don’t have to be a member to take part in our meetings,” said SDSGA Vice President Kenny Fox, Belvidere, S.D. “We’re proud to once again serve 100% USA born, raised and slaughtered beef for each meal.” Fox says the Stockgrowers have lined up another exceptional meeting with well-known speakers as well as recognition of several long standing brand inspectors and a former Brand Board member. The meetings, meals and events will be held at the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn. Fox said that the Wildlife Committee meeting will kick
things off at 8:00 am Thursday morning with speakers Bob Paulson, Nature
Conservancy and Joe Logue, a rancher from the Oelrichs, S.D., area. At 9:30 am,
the Trade Committee will hear from Patty Lovera, Assistant Director of Food and
Water Watch, The Ag and Natural Resources Committee at 2:00 pm will
feature Maxine Korman, a Hinsdale, Fox said nobody will want to miss the dinner that evening, which features Michael Stumo, General Counsel for the Organization for Competitive Markets. SDSGA President Larry Nelson, Nelson said that the Brand and Theft Committee will gather at 1:30 pm for an update on the brand inspection program, then he urges everyone to join the Stockgrowers for their General Membership Meeting at 3:00 pm. They will elect officers and vote on policy for the upcoming year. According to Nelson, a 6:00 pm social hour is followed by a banquet at 7:00 pm where three brand inspectors and one past brand board member will be honored. Jim Owen, Austin Capital Management and Center for Cowboy Ethics will be the featured speaker. Finally a live auction will be held to help fund the SDSGA lobbyist fund. Nelson said that all SDSGA members are welcome to join the Board of Directors for the Quarterly meeting on Saturday morning at 8:00 am. For more information, Nelson said to call the SDSGA office at 605-342-0429. To reserve a room at the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn, call 605-348-4000. Be sure to mention the Stockgrowers for a reduced rate. - # # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 12, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org S.D.
Stockgrowers Contribute to Historic Trail Ride
The South Dakota Stockgrowers
Association (SDSGA) was pleased with the opportunity to support the legendary According to SDSGA Vice President
SDSGA Executive Director Margaret
Nachtigall, These folks were truly strong and brave people.” Nachtigall said she couldn’t
help but notice many of the introduced grasses that are familiar to today’s
agriculturists – tall brome and crested wheat, that wouldn’t have been
present 100 years ago. “I wonder what the rangeland looked like with only
native grasses and shrubs,” she said. The trail ride, which began on
July 30 in Fort Pierre, S.D., is following the 240 mile route of the historic
wagon trains that traveled to Deadwood, S.D., many in search of gold. This year
marks the 100 year anniversary of the closure of the wagon trail. - # # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 17, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org S.D.
Stockgrowers Support Foot and Mouth Legislation in the House The South Dakota Stockgrowers
Association (SDSGA) commends Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin’s for
taking a leading role in helping prevent the introduction of Foot and Mouth
Disease (FMD) into According to SDSGA Vice President
Kenny Fox, Fox says that FMD could wreak
havoc on the The Stockgrowers are encouraged
to learn that Congresswoman Herseth-Sandlin shares their concern for the health
of the -
# # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 9, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org S.D.
Stockgrowers Join Beefman to Promote The South Dakota Stockgrowers
Association (SDSGA) is thrilled to join Beefman Tom Connelley, Belle Fourche,
S.D., in the first ever National Day of the American Cowboy “Cowboy Capitol
Challenge.” A friendly competition between Connelley, with the help of
sponsors including SDSGA, will donate one-half of a cornfed, USA-raised beef to
each town, and the town that sells the most ten dollar raffle tickets will be
declared the Cowboy Capitol of the Nation for one year. According to SDSGA Executive
Director, Margaret Nachtigall, Past SDSGA President Rick Fox, Connelley sees this contest as an opportunity to promote
the positive benefits of USA-raised beef. “The
media has had their day of negative beef coverage. I want to promote the true
story about how The contest will be promoted via
radio, print and television. American
Cowboy magazine will feature the contest, which ends July 26, 2008, the
National Day of the American Cowboy. Please see the following links to vote on the contest and to buy a chance on half a beef to be shipped from Beefman to the raffle winner. -
# # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 30, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org S.D.
Stockgrowers Done with Brand Inspection Contract As of today, the South Dakota
Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) will no longer oversee the brand inspection
program for the state of “The Brand Board has not
contacted us to tell us who they have hired as inspectors. Livestock owners
should contact the Brand Board in order to line up a brand inspector or call the
Governor’s office for any questions or concerns they might have,” he said.
Fox said the phone number to the Brand Board office is: 605-773-3324 and the
phone number to the Governor’s office is: 605-773-3212. SDSGA President Larry Nelson said
the Stockgrowers are grateful to Jim Reed who has dedicated 16 years to the
cattle industry as Additionally, Nelson said the
Stockgrowers appreciate all of the other brand inspectors who have served the
industry. “This program would not have been successful without the full time
inspectors or the many, many local and part time inspectors and shippers’
agents. Many of these folks were basically donating their time and resources in
an effort to make sure that the brand inspection program worked.” Former Brand Board member Lyndell
Peterson, Fox said that the other brand
board members stated that they didn’t agree with the Stockgrowers’ politics,
and didn’t like the fact that the Stockgrowers were spending their profit from
the brand inspection program to further their political agenda. “They might
not have agreed with our stance on political issues, but that was a poor reason
to not renew the contract. We were entitled to use our profits in any way we
chose. We earned that money honestly, carrying out a contract that both sides
agreed to.” Besides that, Fox said that the Stockgrowers are the largest
cattle organization in the state, which indicates that their political positions
are widely supported. “We stand strong on important issues for independent
producers – I don’t believe there are very many ranchers or farmers in “Our political agenda will not
change and the Stockgrowers will not slow down our efforts to better the cattle
industry. With or without the brand inspection contract, we will represent
producers on local, state and national cattle industry issues just the same as
always,” said Fox. Signatures gathered across the
state indicate very strong support for the Stockgrowers’ continued
administration of the brand inspection program, said Fox. “Over 1,200 brand
owners signed their names in favor of the Stockgrowers, while just 2 brand
owners said they would prefer that the Stockgrowers didn’t run the program.”
Those are some pretty strong statistics. And they aren’t just Stockgrower
members – they are brand owners across the state. Fox also mentioned that the Brand
Board, after publicly scolding the Stockgrowers and their inspectors, is now
planning to operate the brand inspection program using most of the same
inspectors and will be basing their budget on the Stockgrowers’ old budget.
“How ironic that the inspectors who, a few years ago were accused by the state
of all sorts of wrongdoing are now mostly the same inspectors who the state
asked to work for them. We defended our inspectors from day one, as we believed
they were doing their jobs to the best of their abilities, plus we had always
reprimanded any of our employees who had intentionally done anything wrong,”
said Fox. “And another major complaint we’ve heard from this brand board is
that we didn’t budget our income and expenses appropriately, but now that they
will be running the program, they are using our budget as a basis for the coming
year’s finances. It just proves how baseless their complaints, accusations and
implications have been all along.” “I hope that producers who have
problems or concerns will contact the state Brand Board, the governor’s office
or their legislators and tell them what they believe is the problem, and how
they’d like to see it fixed. We as producers are the owners and financiers of
this program, and it is our responsibility, as an industry, to ensure that it
remains successful,” Fox said. - # # # - FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information contact Margaret Nachtigall at: SD Stockgrowers Discuss Important Issues at
Howard Meeting The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) hosted
another information-packed Quarterly Membership Meeting in We heard from a lot of good speakers,” said SDSGA
Executive Director Margaret Nachtigall, Nachtigall said one highlight of the meeting was a tour of Dakota Beef, an organic beef processing plant. “It was fascinating to find out how they raise organic cattle and process organic beef. It sounds like they are running a very successful business.” According to SDSGA Vice President Discussions about the brand inspection contract consumed the majority of the meeting, said Nachtigall. “At the present time, the future of the brand inspection program is the most pressing issue for the Stockgrowers, and for producers in the brand inspection area.” Nachtigall was impressed with the optimistic attitude and
pioneer spirit of the people in Howard. “The town of According to Nachtigall, several sponsors helped make their
meeting possible. Dakota Beef, Howard; Dakota Grills, Lake Preston; Energy
Maintenance Service, Howard; Farm Credit Services of America; Farmers &
Merchants State Bank, Carthage; Howard Cold Storage; Howard Farmers Coop
Association; Miner County Bank of Howard & Canova; Rural Learning Center,
Howard contributed to the success of the meeting, she said. “ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 4, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org S.D.
Stockgrowers Contract Proposals Denied; S.D. Brand Board to Take over Program
Soon The South Dakota Stockgrowers
Association (SDSGA) offered three different brand inspection contracts to the
S.D. Brand Board, but all were rejected, says SDSGA President Larry Nelson, “The Stockgrowers have managed
brand inspection for over 100 years and it’s always been our goal to provide a
quality service at a reasonable price. We had hoped that this could continue, in
order that producers could continue to depend on an efficient and effective
program at the lowest cost possible. The Brand Board denied the three different
proposals we suggested and have instead decided to manage the inspection program
in-house. So now it is up to them to provide a system that works on the ground,
without overcharging the very people who fund the program – cattle
producers,” said Nelson. According to Nelson, the
Stockgrowers made significant steps to try and appease the Brand Board. “We
offered to lower the administration fee by 25% while at the same time giving all
of our full time inspectors a raise. In this day and age, I’d like to see
another contractor who is willing to lower their administrative fee that
substantially.” Additionally, Nelson said that
the Brand Board wanted the Stockgrowers to transfer inspection data to the Brand
Board on a regular basis, and make significant changes in the hold reporting
process. “We were willing to make concessions on all of these areas. We
discussed ways to make it work for them and for us – we made an effort to move
their direction on all of their major issues.” But Nelson says the Brand Board
was not so willing to budge, and refused that proposal. Nelson said the Stockgrowers’
final proposal was to revert back to the contract they’ve operated under for
decades – a more risky but simple way of handling the program. “We offered
to run the program for eighty cents - the current brand inspection fee. We would
accept the losses, if there were any, and any profit would be ours as well. This
would have relieved the Brand Board from any financial responsibility, while
maintaining the $.80 inspection fee – a win-win for producers and the Brand
Board.” According to Nelson, the Brand
Board rejected all proposals and is now discussing raising the fee by almost 20%
in order to keep the program in the black. SDSGA Past President Bill
Hutchinson, As a brand inspector and a cattle
producer, SDSGA Past President Rick Fox, Kenny Fox, The current contract expires July
1, 2008, which will be the S.D. Brand Board’s first day of carrying out the
brand inspection program. - # # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 23, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org S.D.
Stockgrowers Applaud S.D. FFA Members, No NAIS Promotion Members of the South Dakota
Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) were pleased to learn that the S.D. FFA
Association will not be promoting the National Animal Identification System (NAIS)
for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Former Newell FFA Chapter
President Brett Burke, Burke, who lives on a cattle and
sheep ranch in the Newell area, said there was quite a bit of discussion about
the resolutions before the meeting, but the meeting itself, held April 14, 2008,
on the SDSU campus, Brookings, S.D., wasn’t as heated as he had expected.
“It went well. There were a lot of questions and some concern about us, as a
state organization taking a negative stand on a political issue, but when we
explained that by not participating we would actually be taking a neutral
stance, it cleared up most of the questions people had,” he said. The first resolution states: Now, therefore, be it resolved the South Dakota FFA Association chooses not to participate in the cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture and the National FFA Organization in the promotion of premises registration and the National Animal Identification System. And be it further resolved that the South Dakota FFA Association encourages other state associations to evaluate the merits of the FFA promotional campaign of the National Animal Identification System and Premises Registration. The second resolution is as follows: Now therefore, be it resolved that no member will be prevented from participating in FFA events for lack of premises ID or RFID tags if the member is able to show proof of ownership, and the livestock have been properly health inspected. Both resolutions were approved by
a majority voice vote. Burke said the matter will not be ratified until
September when the Executive Committee will vote on it. “I plan to be at the
meeting to answer any questions that might come up,” said Burke. According to Knight went on to say that the goal of the National FFA Organization was
to “obtain 50,000 registrations over the one-year agreement.” He added,
“We’ll soon be signing additional agreements with other organizations.
In fact, because we think these partnership efforts will be effective in
reaching producers and encouraging them to participate in NAIS, we have set
aside up to $6 million to fund similar agreements.” SDSGA Region 1 Vice President
Bill Kluck, Mud Butte, S.D., said he appreciates the fact that young people like
the Newell FFA students realize that a basic understanding of political issues
is important for ag producers, but that youth organizations shouldn’t be
promoting political issues. Instead, Kluck said, all views should be equally
presented so that students can make independent decisions to support or oppose
political issues. “The Stockgrowers are proud of
Brett, the Newell FFA Chapter and all South Dakota FFA students for taking a
stand. -
# # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 23, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org S.D.
Stockgrowers Applaud S.D. FFA Members, No NAIS Promotion Members of the South Dakota
Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) were pleased to learn that the S.D. FFA
Association will not be promoting the National Animal Identification System (NAIS)
for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Former Newell FFA Chapter
President Brett Burke, Burke, who lives on a cattle and
sheep ranch in the Newell area, said there was quite a bit of discussion about
the resolutions before the meeting, but the meeting itself, held April 14, 2008,
on the SDSU campus, Brookings, S.D., wasn’t as heated as he had expected.
“It went well. There were a lot of questions and some concern about us, as a
state organization taking a negative stand on a political issue, but when we
explained that by not participating we would actually be taking a neutral
stance, it cleared up most of the questions people had,” he said. The first resolution states: Now, therefore, be it resolved the South Dakota FFA Association chooses not to participate in the cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture and the National FFA Organization in the promotion of premises registration and the National Animal Identification System. And be it further resolved that the South Dakota FFA Association encourages other state associations to evaluate the merits of the FFA promotional campaign of the National Animal Identification System and Premises Registration. The second resolution is as follows: Now therefore, be it resolved that no member will be prevented from participating in FFA events for lack of premises ID or RFID tags if the member is able to show proof of ownership, and the livestock have been properly health inspected. Both resolutions were approved by
a majority voice vote. Burke said the matter will not be ratified until
September when the Executive Committee will vote on it. “I plan to be at the
meeting to answer any questions that might come up,” said Burke. According to Knight went on to say that the goal of the National FFA Organization was
to “obtain 50,000 registrations over the one-year agreement.” He added,
“We’ll soon be signing additional agreements with other organizations.
In fact, because we think these partnership efforts will be effective in
reaching producers and encouraging them to participate in NAIS, we have set
aside up to $6 million to fund similar agreements.” SDSGA Region 1 Vice President
Bill Kluck, Mud Butte, S.D., said he appreciates the fact that young people like
the Newell FFA students realize that a basic understanding of political issues
is important for ag producers, but that youth organizations shouldn’t be
promoting political issues. Instead, Kluck said, all views should be equally
presented so that students can make independent decisions to support or oppose
political issues. “The Stockgrowers are proud of
Brett, the Newell FFA Chapter and all South Dakota FFA students for taking a
stand. -
# # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 15, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org S.D.
Stockgrowers Tell USDA: Animal ID and COOL are Separate Issues In their comments to USDA
yesterday about the Business Plan for the National Animal Identification System
(NAIS), the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) urged USDA not to tie
the NAIS to Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). Among other issues they
discussed, SDSGA said that NAIS is an unpopular program among producers, while
COOL is a very popular law. “USDA proposes a ‘marriage’ of NAIS and
COOL but clearly the goals and purposes of the two programs are totally
different. The two should be kept totally separate from one another,” said
SDSGA President Larry Nelson, SDSGA commented on several additional concerns. “SDSGA
strongly urges USDA to protect the Nelson also requested a cost-benefit study. “SDSGA believes that before any further taxpayer dollars are spent on advancing NAIS, a cost-benefit analysis should be conducted to determine whether the benefits would actually outweigh the costs.” The Stockgrowers believe current tracking systems work just as well as the proposed NAIS, especially considering the cost difference. “What disease warrants the need for NAIS? By USDA’s own admission, past and current disease eradication programs work. We don’t believe the NAIS will be any more effective in tracking disease than current methods of IDing and tracking animals. Especially at the proposed cost of NAIS – including the amount of money already spent. Aren’t we getting the cart before the horse?” Nelson said please contact SDSGA at 605-342-0429 to see the full comment. - # # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 7, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org SD
Stockgrowers Speak Out at Animal ID Conference The South Dakota Stockgrowers
Association (SDSGA) and SDSGA Vice President and R-CALF
USA Animal ID Committee Chairman Kenny Fox, Belvidere, S.D., and SDSGA Animal ID
Committee Chairman Bill Kluck, Mud Butte, S.D., represented independent cattle
producers by asking pertinent questions of program presenters. “The main theme of the meeting
seemed to be for the bureaucrats and technology peddlers to convince the
industry to support combining National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and
the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) law, said Fox. “The COOL law forbids the
use of mandatory animal identification because it is not necessary for carrying
out the law. USDA now suggests that a voluntary NAIS should be tied together
with COOL. This is nothing more than a ploy. USDA has realized that COOL is a
very popular law, while NAIS is a very unpopular program. They are two very
different issues. NAIS is an international government tracking system only for
domestic live animals while COOL is a marketing tool that would provide
consumers with information about imported and domestic meat and livestock.” USDA is desperate to obtain
premises registration from independent producers across the country, said Fox.
“Don't be fooled by this back-door attempt to get your premises
(property) registered with the government.” Fox said that SDSGA and R-CALF
support producers’ right to make independent choices. “If a producer wants
to register his premises with the government, he should certainly do so, but we
shouldn’t be forced into it. That isn’t the American way.” Fox said conference participants
did not reach a consensus in support of marrying the two issues. Fox said USDA is also working to
compel private companies with source and age verification programs to require
premise registration. “USDA claims that they want an animal id program that is
‘voluntary’ but how can they call it voluntary when they want to force
producers to sign up for a government premise registration number in order to
utilize private animal identification programs?” Additional issues that surfaced
at the conference raise concern for western ranchers. “USDA representatives
told us that group lot identification of sheep would be allowed, but not cattle.
I told them that seems totally illogical, and explained that cattle, just like
sheep, are owned and sold in large numbers – usually by the pot load.” Fox
said that auction market operators and producers are also concerned that NAIS
will slow commerce in auction barns, especially in the west where cattle are
sold by the truckload. Any government tracking system
will be futile unless wildlife diseases are also addressed, said Fox. “A
speaker from the Michigan Department of Agriculture talked about their efforts
to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) through a mandatory state animal ID program and
quarantining of TB herds. I commented that without addressing the TB problem in
deer they will soon be out of cattle in their state, but not rid of TB.” Participants in the conference
were reminded that the comments on USDA’s new NAIS Business Plan must be
submitted by April 15, 2008. Comments may be e-mailed to animalidcomments@aphis.usda.gov.
Fox said it is important for
producer organizations to continue to be involved in animal id discussions.
“Producers are fortunate that SDSGA and - # # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 20, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org SD
Stockgrowers Honor Reliance Couple South Dakota Stockgrowers
Association (SDSGA) presented Jim and Gay Murphy, Reliance, S.D., with the
“Workhorse Award” on Monday, January 29, 2008, at the Black Hills Stock
Show. According to SDSGA President
Larry Nelson, “I can’t think of anyone more
deserving of the Workhorse Award than Jim and his wife Gay. They are the sort of
unsung heroes that make an organization like the Stockgrowers successful. Jim
one of the most reliable people I know – he does what needs to be done without
being asked, and without expecting any sort of recognition. Jim’s always got
solid, common sense advice that just makes sense. Without guys like him, you
just don’t have an organization,” said Larry. “And Gay has been supportive
of the cattle industry, the Stockgrowers and Jim’s involvement every step of
the way. Their devotion to the Stockgrowers has certainly been a team effort.”
- # # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 15, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org SD
Stockgrowers and R-CALF Raise Over $18,000 at BH Stock Show Once again, the South Dakota
Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) and R-CALF USA received generous donations at
the Black Hills Stock Show. According to SDSGA Vice President
Kenny Fox, Fox said the Stockgrowers and
R-CALF appreciate the many volunteers who helped at the booth. “As in years
past, we are grateful to the folks who take the time to sit at the booth and
handle donations and answer questions – we wouldn’t be able to keep the
booth open without them.” - # # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 14, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org S.D.
Stockgrowers Encourage Cattle Producers to Attend OTM Hearing The South Dakota Stockgrowers
Association (SDSGA) encourages cattle producers to show up for a hearing
regarding USDA’s “Over-30-Month” (OTM) rule, which will be held at 9:00 am
CST at 400 South Phillips Avenue,
Sioux Falls, S.D., Tuesday, February 19, 2008. According to SDSGA Executive
Director Margaret Nachtigall, Nachtigall said that SDSGA and “This will be a great opportunity for cattle producers to listen to arguments surrounding the issue of Canadian cattle and beef being permitted to enter this country,” said Nachtigall. Nachtigall said that USDA recently published a different rule regarding the importation of beef products that contradicts their alleged reasoning for the OTM rule. “Our argument against the OTM rule keeps getting stronger as USDA continues to put out conflicting statements and rules about health and safety standards of cattle and beef imports.” Nachtigall said that For more information about USDA’s conflicting rules, please view the R-CALF USA news release included. - # # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 8, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org S.D.
Stockgrowers Pleased, Animal ID Bill Advances Members of the South Dakota
Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) are encouraged by the statewide support for HB
1305, a bill to prevent the state of According to SDSGA Vice President
Kenny Fox, “Clearly our legislators
realize that animal identification should be a personal decision for producers,
not something that the state government forces on us,” said Fox. “We
appreciate Representatives Brunner, DeVries, Gassman, Hargens, Halverson, Howie,
Jerke, and Sigdestad for supporting the bill.” But, the work has just begun,
said Fox. “I hope every producer in the state calls their representative over
the weekend to ask for a ‘yes’ vote on HB 1305 when it comes before the full
House of Representatives next week.” Fox said that earlier this week
SDSGA members contacted House Ag Committee members to urge their support for the
bill. “Stockgrowers from across the state called and sent e-mails, telling
their personal stories and explaining their concern with NAIS. Now we need to do
that again, but we need to contact every member of the House of Representatives. The Black Hills Angus
Association, Dakota Rural Action, Farmers Union, the S.D. Association of County
Commissioners, the S.D. Livestock Auction Markets Association and the S.D.
Chapter of Women Involved in Farm Economics also testified in favor of the bill.
“Obviously the ag community sees NAIS as a threat,” said Fox. According to Fox, HB 1305 would
prohibit the state of -
# # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 1, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org S.D.
Stockgrowers Appalled at Overturned Verdict Members of the South Dakota
Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) are shocked and disappointed with the 8th
Circuit Court of Appeals reversal of a unanimous “guilty” verdict against
the big meatpackers. After a 2006 unanimous jury decision, three of the four
packers accused had been ordered to pay a total of $9.25 million for using
incorrect information distributed by USDA to knowingly pay less than market
value for fat cattle for a period of about a month in 2001. On January 29, 2008, a three
judge panel serving as the appeals court claimed that the meatpackers hadn’t intentionally
violated the Packers and Stockyards Act by manipulating or controlling, or
attempting to manipulate or control, cattle prices. To prove a violation, a
plaintiff must show that a packer intentionally committed unlawful conduct, the
panel said in its ruling. According to Past President of
SDSGA, Rick Fox, Regarding the appeals court, Fox
wonders if the system is broken. “Our judicial system is in constitutional
jeopardy when judges overrule a jury decision. Perhaps judges should all be
voted into office instead of being appointed for a lifetime by an elected
official that may not even win an election by a majority of votes, like Bill
Clinton and George W. Bush.” The Stockgrowers have fully
supported the lawsuit from the beginning, said Fox. “We were pleased that
Herman Schumacher, Mike Callicrate and Roger Kock took the initiative to try and
rectify the illegal activities of the meatpackers. As an industry, we will
continue to seek the truth, said Fox. He said the -
# # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 29, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org SD Stockgrowers Support Bill Against Animal ID The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) will work to
advance HB 1305, a bill to prevent the state of According to SDSGA Vice President, Kenny Fox, “Our members overwhelmingly oppose a mandatory animal
identification program and we will do our best to explain to our legislators why
we do not need or want NAIS in Fox said the members of SDSGA approved the following policy: “The
South Dakota Stockgrowers Association opposes any government action that funds
or mandates premises registration and individual or industry participation in
National Animal Identification System (NAIS) or South Dakota Animal
Identification System.” SDSGA District 12 Director Chris Harvey, Valentine, NE., said the
bill will not hinder the state’s animal health efforts. “HB 1305
specifically states that ‘Nothing in this Act prohibits the state from
establishing or participating in disease control programs specifically designed
to address a known disease in a specific species of livestock.’”
One misconception about animal identification is that it will improve
animal health. “Identifying livestock will never prevent or stop a disease,”
says The bill will be brought before the House Ag Committee soon,
probably this week, said Fox. “I
hope ranchers who want to protect their personal freedoms and private property
rights will show up to support the bill.” Fox said similar bills are being introduced in -
# # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 25, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org S.D.
Stockgrowers Not Lobbying for Statewide Brand Inspection
The South Dakota Stockgrowers
Association (SDSGA) took a neutral position on HB 1176, a bill to expand the
brand inspection area statewide. The House Ag Committee voted the bill down on
January 24, 2008. “Legislators and producers have
been asking us if we were behind the HB 1176, and we just want to clarify that
the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association didn’t initiate the bill, and we
didn’t support or oppose it in committee,” said former SDSGA President Rick
Fox, Hermosa, S.D. He added, “We
are not opposed to the idea of statewide brand inspection, but we don’t
believe it’s our right to force it. If producers in Fox added that under the current
brand law, counties in Fox said that currently the 22
counties west of the The South Dakota Stockgrowers
Association oversees the brand inspection program, which is enforced in the
brand inspection area according to state law. -
# # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 25, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org S.D.
Stockgrowers Support HB 1305 The South Dakota Stockgrowers
Association (SDSGA) will work to advance HB 1305, a bill to prohibit a state
mandatory animal identification program. According to SDSGA Vice
President, Kenny Fox, “USDA is working on a voluntary
animal identification program. Our members overwhelmingly oppose a mandatory
animal identification program, and we plan to do our best to explain to our
legislators why a voluntary animal identification plan is more
producer-friendly,” said Fox. Fox said the members of SDSGA approved the following policy: “The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association opposes any government action that funds or mandates premises registration and individual or industry participation in National Animal Identification System (NAIS) or South Dakota Animal Identification System.” SDSGA District 12 Director Chris Harvey, Valentine, NE., said the bill will mesh with the state’s animal health efforts. “The bill specifically states that ‘Nothing in this Act prohibits the state from establishing or participating in disease control programs specifically designed to address a known disease in a specific species of livestock.’” Plus, said Another misconception about animal identification is that
it will improve animal health. “Identifying livestock will never prevent or
stop a disease,” says The bill will be brought before
the House Ag Committee soon, probably next week, said Fox. “I hope ranchers
who want to protect their personal freedoms and private property rights will
show up to support the bill.” Fox said similar bills are being
introduced in To view HB 1305, go to http://legis.state.sd.us/sessions/2008/index.aspx
and enter 1305. Please call the South Dakota
Stockgrowers Association office at 605-342-0429 for updated information on the
status of the bill. -
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 24, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org S.D.
Stockgrowers Invite All to Free G.B. Oliver, According to SDSGA Executive
Director, “G.B. is full of information
about property rights and personal freedoms. He is
insightful and encouraging – I hope folks can take time out of their
busy Stock Show schedules to join us for this industry-related event,” said
Nachtigall. “The Stock Show is always a
good time for producers to head to town and see friends and neighbors. I hope
folks will plan to do just that, and stay for our event on Monday night,” said
Nachtigall. She also encouraged folks to stop by the SDSGA/R-CALF booth while
they are at the Black Hills Stock Show to renew their memberships or just to
visit. Nachtigall said that the social
and speaker event are free to the public, thanks to sponsors Fort Dodge Animal
Health, Cammack Ranch Supply, Anipro-Xtraformance Feeds and Wealth Management
Strategies. -
# # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 17, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org S.D.
Stockgrowers Executive Meets with Senator Johnson South Dakota Stockgrowers
Association (SDSGA) Executive Director, According to Nachtigall, Senator
Johnson told the group that he supports the competition provisions in the farm
bill. “We were pleased to hear
Senator Johnson reaffirm his support for all of the vital segments of the farm
bill that will benefit the cattle market, like COOL implementation, interstate
shipment of beef and the establishment of special counsel to help ensure proper
enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act,” said Nachtigall. Nachtigall said that Senator
Johnson also backs a $250,000 limitation on farm payments, as specified in the
Senate Farm Bill. (is this right, Margaret??). Nachtigall said that the group
also talked about S 1870, the Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007. “The
Stockgrowers strongly oppose S 1870, because it would literally give the federal
government authority over every waterway, from rivers and creeks to private
dams, slews and potholes. I was pleased to hear Senator Johnson say that he is
also working to stop the passage of that bill.” According to Nachtigall, the
Stockgrowers are pleased to meet with each of -
# # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 10, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org S.D.
Stockgrowers Speak at R-CALF South Dakota Stockgrowers
Association (SDSGA) President Larry Nelson, Nelson told sale-goers "In 2003 the Nelson said the Stockgrowers
appreciate Donators from the community were
pleased to see Nelson, along with SDSGA Executive Director -
# # # - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 7, 2008 For more information contact 605-342-0429 or margaret.sdsga@midconetwork.com www.southdakotastockgrowers.org Large
Turnout for SD Stockgrowers Kadoka Area Meeting Among
discussion topics: Animal ID, Brand Law Changes A crowd of producers attended the
annual South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) Kadoka Area Meeting on
January 3, 2007, to hear updates on cattle industry issues. According to SDSGA Vice President
Kenny Fox, Fox spoke to the crowd about
brand law changes proposed by the S.D. Brand Board. “The S.D. Brand Board
plans to take on five different issues with their legislative proposals,” said
Fox. “One proposal is a minor change regarding the handling of holds in the
country. The other changes would be more substantial – reclassifying
misdemeanor brand law violations, giving the Brand Board the authority to assess
penalties to more severe violators, modifying the open market contracts with
out-of-state salebarns, and increasing the inspection cap to $1 for cattle and
$10 for horses.” Fox reminded the crowd that the cap on the brand inspection
fee is set by the S.D. Legislature,
while the actual fee is at the discretion of the S.D. Brand Board and the
Legislative Rules Review Committee. Fox also discussed the National
Animal Identification System or NAIS. “The South Dakota Stockgrowers
Association continues to oppose a mandatory animal identification system, on the
state or national level,” said Fox. “We plan to introduce legislation that
would prohibit the implementation of a mandatory animal identification program
in According to Fox, SDSGA District
11 Director and State Representative “Mark told folks to expect a
lot of discussion on property taxes and school funding, as well as the
Stockgrowers’ animal id bill,” said Fox. SDSGA Executive Director According to Fox, the
Stockgrowers appreciated sponsorships from Bank West of Kadoka, People’s
Market, Hogen’s Hardware, Double H Feed and Supply, Discount Fuel, Kennedy
Implement and Grossenburg Implement. -
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