October 2017 National Newsletter

October 2017 National Newsletter

Beef continues to be recognized as a powerhouse protein fueling athletes at all levels of play.  South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) highlighted this impact with its appearance at the 51^st Annual Beef Bowl held recently on the South Dakota State University Campus. 

Prior to the game, SDBIC team members engaged with consumers through their beef booth held in the tailgate area of the field.  SDBIC provided beef nutrition and cooking information, Beef Bowl t-shirts, and judged the beef tailgate competition. Approximately 30 beef dishes were entered into the competition with Marcus Hopfinger of White, SD taking top honors with his delicious brisket.  

New to the venue this year was the “Beef Hype Video” where South Dakota’s beef story was told alongside the Jackrabbit football story.  The goal of the video was to work in collaboration with Jackrabbit Sport’s Properties to feature the long history and tradition of football and beef’s nutritious value as well as recognize South Dakota’s beef producers and the work they do in bringing beef to millions of dinner tables each day. The video concluded with consumers being directed to www.BeefItsWhatsforDinner.com.

BEEF Fuels Sioux Falls Marathon

South Dakota beef producers were well represented at this year's Sioux Falls Marathon on September 10, 2017.  Approximately 20 team beef members, proudly sported their bright red jersey's and participated among the nearly 2,600 runners from six different countries, 40 states and over 600 cities.

The South Dakota Beef Industry Council in partnership with Sandford Heart and South Dakota State University meat science department encouraged participants to "refuel" after the race by offering beef tri-tip sliders. The event also offers a prime opportunity to reach thousands with beef nutrition material and highlight beef’s role in an active lifestyle which is a key component of the Team Beef SD program.

Team Beef members receive nutrition education on how best to incorporate beef into their diet during training. Holly Swee, SDBIC director of nutrition and consumer information, states, "Team Beef members are passionate about supporting South Dakota beef producers and promoting beef. They do this by being physically active, including nutritious beef in their training diet and being healthy role models while wearing the Team Beef jersey throughout the year."

The Sioux Falls marathon wraps up our program for the season.  Team Beef South Dakota is open to all South Dakotans who want to promote beef, be physically active and showcase eating beef in a healthy lifestyle. Open registration for the 2018 season will start in December through January.

South Dakota Beef Industry Council Meeting Sets FY 2018 Budget

South Dakota Beef Industry Council directors held their annual meeting in conjunction with the 51st annual BEEF Bowl on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the SDSU Performing Arts Center in Brookings, SD. Directors received staff and committee updates, heard from SDSU faculty, selected two federation directors and one USMEF director, and passed a $3.52 million-budget for the 2018 fiscal year. They also received updates from the Cattlemen's Beef Board (CBB) and the Federation of State Beef Council directors.

The SDBIC will continue to invest in state-to-state partnerships that focus on reaching consumers as well as food influencers in the northeast region of the United States where consumers outnumber beef cattle twenty to one. Remaining dollars will be used to fund in-state promotions and events that build beef demand. SDBIC directors also increased the dollars earmarked for research this coming year. The budget will support three research programs through South Dakota State University, involving food safety, beef quality, and human nutrition with beef. 

Three outgoing board members were recognized during the meeting.  John Symens, Amherst, SD; Ernie Mertz, Bowdle, SD; and Kari Sanders, Oral, SD were recognized for their dedicated service to the beef industry.

Wayne Tupper, Kimball, SD was recognized as outgoing president, though he will continue his role as a director representing the SD Livestock Auction Market Association. President- elect, Eric Sumption, of rural Frederick, SD will take over as president of the organization on October 1, 2017.  The next quarterly board meeting is scheduled for December 11, 2017.