South Dakota Cattleman
The official publication of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association
SDCA Calendar of Events
July 8 - 10: NCBA Summer Business Meeting | San Diego, CA
July 12: McCook Miner Lake Golf Tournament | Madison, SD
July 17: Mitchell Region Roundup | Mitchell, SD
July 22: Webster Region Roundup | Webster, SD
July 29: Winner Region Roundup | Winner, SD
August 4: Sioux Empire Fair Beef Day | Sioux Falls, SD
August 8: South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Ranch Tour at Blioux River Ranch| Castlewood, SD
August 12: Gettysburg Region Roundup | Gettysburg, SD
August 20 - 22: Dakota Fest | Mitchell, SD
August 21: From the Ranch to Capitol Hill panel featuring SDCA + NCBA | Mitchell, SD
Advertising Opportunities
The South Dakota Cattleman is published six times a year and sent to SDCA members including beef producers, beef industry supporters, property owners, allied industry partners, as well as state and local government officials with a circulation over 1,000.
Advertising deadline is the 5th of the month prior to publication
The SDCA e-newsletter, The Cattle Guard, is emailed to all SDCA members every week� The Cattle Guard contains updates and news from SDCA, industry partners, and NCBA
Follow us on our social media platforms to stay informed of the latest SDCA news, events, and information
Mission Vision Magazine cover by Katie Mauch at Katie Mauch Design + Marketing
To advance the interests of South Dakota Cattlemen through representation and promotion of the beef industry
To be an organization where members can work together to protect their interests; seek solutions to industry problems; provide a unified voice, and to build the good will, esteem, and recognition the industry deserves�
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SDCA Leadership
Officers
Warren Symens, President wsymens@sdcattlemen.org
Craig Bieber, Vice President craig@bieberredangus.com
Vaughn Thorstenson, Secretary/ Treasurer vwthor@venturecomm.net
Jake Harms, VP of Membership jake@bieberredangus.com
Eric Jennings, Past President ermijenn@outlook.com
Regional Representatives
Bryan Gill, Northern Region
Troy Hadrick, Northern Region
Drew Edleman, Northeast Region
Nick Wilkinson, Northeast Region
Colby Olson, Southeast Region
Austin Havlik, Southeast Region
Casey Heenan, Southern Region
Kory Bierle, Southern Region
Britton Blair, Western Region
Devin Stephens, Western Region
Taya Runyan Executive Director trunyan@sdcattlemen org
Lorrin Naasz Director of Communications & Outreach lnaasz@sdcattlemen org
From the Cattle Pen
Warren Symens, SDCA President
The saying goes,“money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy cows, which is pretty much the same thing” and as long as I can remember this has been true for me � For most folks, their focus is on the land, but for me, the focus is on the cows, because cows grazing on grass is one of the most efficient uses of land and labor and they are an important part of conservation efforts
I attended several ag events on behalf of SDCA members, where I had the opportunity to talk about the importance of livestock when thinking about conservation, sustainability, and climate solutions In April, I went to a discussion with other South Dakota ag groups near Valley Springs to talk about the Farm Bill with South Dakota Senator John Thune and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resource Committee, Senator John Boozman of Arkansas�The motto of the day from everyone else seemed to be, “put more farm in the Farm Bill ” It occurred to me that what our members needed was more ranch in the Farm Bill, and that’s exactly the message I gave.
I repeated that message in May in Washington, DC, during the NCBA Legislative Conference, when I sat down alongside SDCA’s Vice President Craig Bieber to meet cattle industry leaders from across the country and our congressional delegation� The Farm Bill is full of conservation efforts, and while conservation alone is as noble and worthwhile effort as there is, it’s been hijacked by those who don’t understand what it takes� Leaving land idle is not conservation. It not only removes the vital component of grazing, but every time land sits idle, small communities die � Therefore, the cow is not the culprit, she is the solution
We learned about the lifecycle of nature somewhere around 6th grade � The sun and rain makes the grass grow� That grass is then eaten by cows� Cow waste goes back to fertilize the grass� The cow and its habitat working together to both thrive � There’s also methane and carbon cycling, as well as hoof action, that helps the soil and the range plants While that may be oversimplified, it sums up how the cow is the solution These are often the things that are ignored during the well-intentioned conservation efforts on a national level�
The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, on its own and as an affiliate of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, continues to spread the message both nationally and within our state’s borders that we must have “more ranch in the farm bill.” Part of that means leveling the playing field with
other commodities when it comes to disaster protection, conservation dollars, insurance, and regulation�The other part of the conversation means recognizing that when talking about land conservation and habitat, “cows are the solution, not the culprit�” Keeping cows grazing grasslands and marginal cropland putting back into the grass, stimulates economy, soil health, wildlife, and allows the next generation to stay on the land.
Whenever I doubt where my passion is, all I need to do is ride through the herd or move them to another pasture in the glacial hills of the Coteau de Prairie in northeast South Dakota Happiness is cows with calves on a hill side, grazing grass and improving the land as they’ve always been meant to do
SDCA Convention & Trade Show
December 10, 2024 | Pierre, SD
New this year to the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association Convnetion & Trade Show is the Cattlemen's Land & Legacy event on day one with programming focused on conservation and working lands, be inspired and gain insight into concepts and practices that you can implement on your operation� More information to follow!
Schedule of Events* (Noon - 3:00 PM):
• Lunch & Keynote
• Presentation of the 2024 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award
• Conservation workshop featuring RMC Ranching for Profit Workshop
(*Schedule is subject to change.)
Allied Industry Members
Prime Members
Corporate Members
Choice Members
Select Members
Standard Members
Supporting Members
South DakotanAttends Young
Written by Colby Olson, SDCA Southeast
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “young cattlemen”? Some may describe an all-knowing tender foot whose never had a bad day� Others may describe an entitled individual who was granted access to a club in which they never had to bear the burden to join� Others yet may describe one to a mountaineer, gazing up at the summit of the mountain, unsure of how or if they’ll succeed. My definition of a young cattlemen is someone who has a fire in their belly -- a passion for all aspects of the beef business, and that is exactly what I was met with when I had the pleasure of joining the 2024 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Young Cattlemen’s Conference. Over 60 individuals from Virginia to Hawaii, North Dakota
to Texas, and from Florida to California embarked on an 8-day journey from Colorado to Ohio and Washington, DC
We started our trip at NCBA’s headquarters in Denver, Colorado, where we got a behind the scenes look at the Beef Checkoff and the daily intricacies of the beef promotion process� We then had the privilege of touring Five Rivers Kuner Feedyard, which sets an almost unprecedented standard of excellence in terms of efficiency and quality of facilities. Then we stopped at Greeley Hat Works to get measured for cowboy hats and visited with Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon,as well as NCBA President Mark Eisele.
Photo courtesy
Young Cattlemen's Conference
Board Director and 2024 YCC Participant
After our time in Denver, we made our way eastward to Sioux City, Iowa, where we had the opportunity to tour Empirical Food’s and their state of the art, value added facilities which exhibited technological advancements only the most progressive meat processor could produce, which was eye opening to say the least� Then we made our way to Tyson Fresh Meat’s Dakota City plant, which like previous stops was a standard setting display of impeccable facilities and remarkable efficiency.
Onward to Wooster, Ohio, where we had the opportunity to visit the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) headquarters. CAB has established itself as the Nike brand of the beef business CAB has set their product apart from the rest in terms of their excellent standards of quality, uniformity, and industry leading marketing� Quite interesting to see an idea started by the Angus Association in the 1970’s turn into a multi-million-dollar juggernaut nearly 40 years later�
For our final stop, we landed in our nation’s capital Washington DC, where we had the opportunity to meet with NCBA’s policy team at the Washington office. During our visit, the Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan Lane, and Senior Director of Government Affairs, Tanner Beymer, offered an in-depth, behind the scenes look of the NCBA’s extensive lobbying strategies for the cattle business. I asked them several wide-ranging questions from CME Group’s expanded feeder and fat cattle limits to EID tag requirements, they answered each question with a plethora of knowledge and a complete understanding of each issue � My next task was to visit with South Dakota’s congressional delegation� We as South Dakotans, including myself in the beef industry, should be grateful to have such pro-beef representation in DC -- after all there are more cattle than
people in our great state � I believe the main objective of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association is to encourage those in power to provide for and protect our business I was grateful that Senator John Thune, Senator Mike Rounds, and Representative Dusty Johnson, made themselves and staff available to visit about important issues such as the Farm Bill programs, traceability, the Beef Checkoff, and International Trade. I was equally grateful to have NCBA’s Director of Membership and Affiliate Services and fellow South Dakota native, Galle Waletich, join me in those meetings on the Hill� Her insight and knowledge was absolutely invaluable, and it’s easy to see how someone as industrious as Galle, could propel NCBA’s membership to new heights, especially in South Dakota, which as of last year led the nation as the fastest growing state in terms of NCBA membership�
To summarize the YCC 2024 trip, I would say it was an eye opening experience exemplifying how complex and intricate our industry is and how extremely different and difficult each link in the production chain may be, each one relying on each other as much as others rely on them� From calving cows, to injecting beef tallow into utility steaks, we are all in the business of beef� My favorite part of the trip was meeting such great people, the beef business is and always has been the people business I’d like to give a special thanks to SDCA’s leadership for allowing me to participate in the Young Cattlemen’s Conference � I’ll leave you with a Bible verse that stuck with me during the YCC trip: 1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity�”
NCBA's President Elect, Buck Wehrbein, gets fitted for a hat at Greeley Hat Works.
Cattleman's
Cattle Insights from the 2022 Census of Agriculture
Matthew Diersen, PhD
Griffith Chair in Agricultural Finance at South Dakota State University.
Earlier this year, USDA-NASS released the 2022 Census of Agriculture with different breakdowns of crop and livestock data at national, state, and county levels. NASS surveys (Cattle and Cattle on Feed) and South Dakota Auction Agency Reports have been indicating lower cattle inventory levels and sales volumes, respectively.The Census confirms those aspects and indicates other factors, such as location differences, land use changes, and the mix of cattle, suggest a more complex story exists beyond just fewer head.
Major categories
Following a long-run trend there were again fewer farms in South Dakota in the 2022 Census The total number, 28,299 farms, is down 6% from the 2017 Census� The decline in farm numbers is not quite as large as the decline nationally.The total acres farmed did not change much, thus, the average farm size increased to 1,495 acres� A sharper drop occurred across farms with any cattle and calves, regardless of type � There were only 11,304 farms in South Dakota with any cattle in 2022, a decline of 21% from 2017� The total number head, at 3�5 million, was not down by as large of a percentage � Thus, much like the acreage change, the average number of head per operation increased from 2017 Variation across census years is common and trends can reverse � Nationally, the 2022 Census occurred toward the end of a cattle cycle and following a drought period across the western U S The number of operations with beef cows in South Dakota was down sharply� A reduction in herd size leaves the gate open to rebuilding. Eliminating a herd makes restarting the enterprise more difficult and more expensive. There was a more dramatic decrease in the number of operations with dairy cows� The number dairy cows, in contrast, was up by about 50,000 head A dairy cow will consume more feed during the year than a beef cow; or dairy expansion could crowd out beef enterprises. Feedlots are another enterprise tallied in the Census Only 880 operations had cattle on feed in 2022, down sharply from 2017�The number of cattle on feed, at 446,684 head, was also down sharply�
Distribution by size and location
The Census gives a breakdown by farms by number of head of cattle. There are fewer small herds. Each inventory category with less than 1,000 head in 2022 showed a decline from 2017 � Herds have gotten bigger� There has been some consolidation or concentration Operations with more than 1,000 head have increased and they collectively have more cattle � The inventory changes were not uniform across the state � The Census gives breakdowns at the county level. Like in NASS surveys, a low number of respondents makes it difficult to discern details on cow and feedlot data� For all cattle, only 16 of 66 counties had an increase in inventories in 2022 compared to in 2017 Hyde and Fall
River Counties had the largest absolute increases in inventories� Kingsbury and Charles Mix Counties had the largest absolute decreases in inventories Grouping the counties together at the reporting district level clearly shows the spatial changes (Figure 1). The Southwest had an increase in inventory levels. The other west districts were relatively unchanged. The Southeast and East Central districts had the largest decreases in inventory levels�
Other trends
Land use associated with cattle production was mixed in the Census The land in permanent pasture and rangeland increased from 2017 to 22�3 million acres in South Dakota in 2022� Thus, a long-run feed resource has not declined with the number of cattle The number of operations that harvested hay fell by 16%� However, the acres harvested were only down slightly� Tight hay stocks across the western U�S� have been constraining cattle numbers, a situation that eased slightly in early 2024 The high corn price in late 2022 discouraged cattle feeding� This was reflected in a sharp reduction in cattle on feed sold and the sharp increase in sales of calves weighing less than 500 pounds� Other NASS data showed that inshipments of calves in 2022 were down relative to 2017, likely because of drought conditions in states to the north and west of South Dakota Across a census period there is not much of an influence of animal units� At the national level, the average carcass weight of slaughter steers was 909 pounds in 2022, up from 877 pounds in 2017� The average carcass weight of cows was unchanged� In addition, the weighted average of placement weights by feedlots was unchanged Thus, cows and calves did not get appreciably larger where they would consume more feed per head � In summary, there were fewer cattle in South Dakota based on the 2022 Census of Agriculture The decrease was concentrated among smaller operations and in the southeastern counties� Trends can reverse with better profitability and with greater feed availability.
Figure 1
View from My Side of the Fence
Craig Bieber, Vice President
I recently came across a Drovers article about the history of the cattle industry that caused me to think about the changes we have seen throughout the years Beef cattle production has a storied history in the U�S�, marked by pivotal technology developments and significant transformations as the industry has evolved and progressed� Some of the milestones and changes in U S beef cattle production, are noted in the timeline
From the introduction of cattle by Spanish explorers to the digital age, beef cattle production in the U�S� has continually adapted to changing conditions and demands� Today, the beef industry balances efficiency with sustainability, aiming to meet consumer needs while minimizing environmental impact �
The key takeaway: we must embrace change for a sustainable future Right now, there are some voices advocating to stop change, a sentiment which has always been, to a certain extent, part of our industry’s history. From the adoption of barbed wire, which we all take for granted today, to the current shift towards data-driven management, resistance has always been present However, progress consistently pushes us towards the most economically viable path �
I chose to be in leadership because I believe the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association (SDCA) and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) can help us negotiate the best path forward� I also believe that halting progress is not economically viable for our rural communities Some days, it may feel like the "NO CHANGE" crowd is winning, but ultimately, decisions must be economically sustainable to ensure survival�
Embracing innovation and adapting to new technologies are critical for maintaining the vitality and competitiveness of beef cattle production. By leveraging the expertise and support of industry associations, we can drive forward meaningful change that benefits both our rural communities and the broader agricultural landscape � It’s essential to focus on long-term economic sustainability, ensuring that our industry thrives not only for our generation but for those to come �
Read the Drovers Article
That inspired Craig's Column
Made, Not Born: Empowering Leaders through the SDCA Leadership Academy
Eric Jennings, Past President
You have probably heard someone being referred to as “a born leader�” While that person may have had an aptitude for leadership, his or her leadership skills were learned and developed through training and experience. Vince Lombardi knew that � He said, “leaders are not born, they are made; made through hard work”� To be good at anything it takes work, training, mentorship, and experience.
The South Dakota Cattlemen's Association (SDCA) is embarking on a new program to empower and support emerging leaders� The SDCA Board of Directors has the foresight to recognize that for our industry to succeed, we must have individuals who will not only step up to lead but be effective leaders To be effective they must have a comprehensive knowledge of the entire cattle industry, not just the sector that they deal with directly�
Understanding this, the Board established the SDCA Leadership Academy. It is important our leaders understand the challenges the cow/calf producers, the feedlot operators, and even the packers and retailers face, as well as the regional differences of each of those segments � Having an understanding of the industry doesn’t do much good if you are not able to effectively communicate the solutions needed to address the challenges that are faced With all the “noise” being carried in the news outlets and social media, being able to effectively communicate the right message, in the right way, to both the public and our legislators is more important than ever before � Communicating effectively on an issue isn’t about being the loudest in the room or the most outlandish -- it is about communicating an authentic and effective message, backed up with facts in a calm and rational manner�
I feel fortunate to be in an industry that has people who are always willing to assist and advise each other Whether it gets labeled as such or not, we have probably all benefited from mentorship. I’m sure we can all point to a few individuals that have helped us along the way in our operations, relationships, and personal growth� I bet we can also remember a few times that the advice turned out not to be very helpful There are probably even a few times we didn’t recognize or accept the good advice that was given to us� Choosing good mentors, and being accepting and respectful mentees, is an important aspect of a leadership journey� SDCA’s Leadership Academy Steering Committee has
developed a curriculum that will focus on industry knowledge, communication skills, cultivating mentorship, and forming policy� Participants will learn through a combination of tours, classroom sessions, and practical experience.
I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to hold leadership roles in SDCA� I have met many wonderful people, been involved in forming legislation that shaped our industry, traveled to conventions and conferences, and increased my knowledge of the cattle industry along the way I didn’t just fall into the opportunities I have had I have participated in leadership programs like South Dakota Ag and Rural Leadership, put the work into learning about the issues, and developed my communication skills� I have also been fortunate to know many great leaders in our industry who were always willing to educate me on an issue and offer up a historical perspective on how I might approach an issue �
If you would have met the 18-year-old me, you would have never guessed that I would be in the position to be writing this article now � Remember what Vince said “leaders are not born, they are made”
Special Thanks to Our Partners!
SDCA Leadership Academy Schedule
Mid-April 2025 | Seminar 1: Policy & Communications
Pierre, SD
Early June 2025 | Seminar II: Spring Tour & Media Communications
TBD
August 2025 | Seminar III: Mentorship & Telling Your Story
TBD
October 2025 | Seminar IV: Fall Tour & Persuasive Communications
TBD
December 2-4, 2025 | SDCA Convention & Trade Show
Deadwood, SD
January 28-29, 2026 | Leadership Academy Graduation & SDCA Day at the Capitol
Pierre, SD
* ( Schedule is subject to change.)
Learn more & apPly today!
Applications are now open for the innaugural South Dakota Cattlemen's Association Leadership Academy! Participants will make a postitive impact on the industry, drive sustainable growth, and shape the future of the beef production industry� Participants will be equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and networks to give a voice to the next generation of influential leaders in the industry!
Pregnancy Diagnosis: From Classic to Modern Methods
By: Jessica Drum, SDSU Extension Beef Reproduction Physiology Specialist
Hunter Haberman, SDSU Graduate student
Dr. Jessica Nora Drum
In today’s scenario, along with different factors in the cattle industry, it is more difficult than ever to turn a profit in the cow-calf industry. Maximizing revenues in every aspect is key to a successful operation. Timely pregnancy detection plays a crucial role in minimizing unnecessary operational costs for cow-calf producers� By identifying open cows early, producers can make informed decisions, such as selling them sooner, which reduces expenses related to feed and other resources. Additionally, when artificial insemination (AI) is employed, early pregnancy detection allows for more efficient resynchronization of open cows Nowadays, producers and managers have a wide variety of methods available to choose from It is important to investigate the options suitable and available for your operation, and then choose or combine the methods that most make sense �
The most reliable pregnancy detection methods yield accurate results after day 28 However, an alternative that can start even before that, and with a less dependable approach is heat detection after breeding Combined with estrous synchronization and AI, it can start around 17 days after AI and go up to the day of the day 30 pregnancy check� It will catch animals that did not conceive at the first AI and rapidly allow the rebreed. The limitation of heat detection lies in its reliance on visible heat signs� Non-cycling cows and heifers do not exhibit heat, leading to potential misdiagnoses of their pregnancy status� In addition, a good heat detection strategy must be implemented While heat detection can be useful in facilities with limited resources, and helpful when a more aggressive breeding approach is needed, it is advisable to explore alternative methods to improve the accuracy of the detection to confirm the diagnostic. A few commonly used methods are rectal palpation, ultrasonography, and commercially available Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins (PAG) test kits.
Rectal palpation involves manually examining the uterus through the rectum Pregnancy status is determined by identifying structures such as the amniotic vesicle, fetal membrane slip, placentomes, and/ or the fetus Despite being one of the oldest methods developed, rectal palpation remains widely used due to its cost-effectiveness It requires a chute to contain the animal but other than that, does not require additional expensive equipment yet is highly accurate. Additionally, a skilled technician/veterinarian can estimate fetal age and assess ovarian structures, such as the corpus luteum (CL), determining cyclicity� It can reliably detect pregnancy as early as 35 days gestation� However, it is essential to note that successful palpation relies heavily on the technician’s expertise, as accuracy in fetal aging can vary significantly based on their skill level (Yáñez et al., 2023).
Ultrasonography offers information other than just pregnancy detection, such as fetal sexing, more precise fetal aging, and fetal viability� It has long been trusted for accurate pregnancy detection� The first use in cattle was documented in the 1950s (Balhara et al., 2013) and although the technology hasn’t changed much since, the overall quality of images and portability of the equipment has improved substantially Puberty attainment, uterine diseases,
and reproductive tract abnormalities can also be determined by ultrasound� Overall, ultrasonography can gather more information than rectal palpation� However, the disadvantages would be the cost of the equipment and the requirement of a skilled technician/ veterinarian to perform, read, and interpret, and likewise rectal palpation requires the containment of the animal to properly perform the technique.
PAG test kits offer several advantages due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness.These tests do not require specialized technicians and are relatively inexpensive. They use a blood or milk sample to determine pregnancy� Depending on the test and sample, results are available in 20 min to 3�5 hours� Some of the PAG tests can accurately detect pregnancy in heifers as early as day 25 of gestation� Still, there are limitations associated with their use. Even though it is considerably lower in cows that lose the pregnancy later (Gatea et al., 2018), they cannot predict or detect embryonic loss in advance yet. If a cow becomes pregnant and subsequently experiences pregnancy loss, the PAG test may still be positive, erroneously indicating ongoing pregnancy� Additionally, PAG molecules can persist in the bloodstream for up to 80 to 100 days post-partum (Pohler, Franco, et al., 2016). Consequently, if a cow is bred within approximately 60 days after calving, false positives may occur� Despite these drawbacks, PAG tests remain highly accurate, with reported sensitivity ranging from 95% to 99% (Barbato et al., 2022). They are a good strategy mostly when a skilled technician is not available and/or the operation wants to check for pregnancy more frequently.
In recent years, a novel strategy has emerged providing even earlier pregnancy detection (Pugliesi et al., 2023). Doppler ultrasonography allows for pregnancy detection as early as 18 days after breeding� This approach primarily targets the identification of non-pregnant individuals by measuring blood flow within tissues. Adequate blood perfusion is crucial for CL functionality, as it must be present and functional to sustain pregnancy in cattle (Yáñez et al., 2023). Briefly, technicians locate the corpus luteum (CL), assess its blood flow, and estimate perfusion. In non-pregnant animals, the CL typically regresses around day 17 after estrus By performing a Doppler image between 18 and 21 days after AI it is possible to identify females that have already undergone CL regression and are coming in heat again, indicating non-pregnancy (Pugliesi et al., 2018).When combined with AI, this technique allows producers to re-synchronize their cattle approximately 8 to 10 days earlier than alternative methods, potentially enhancing operational profitability.
Among the various reproductive strategies available today, ultrasonography performed after day 28 of pregnancy stands out as the most widely adopted approach� However, in cases where ultrasonography is unavailable, alternative strategies or a combination thereof can be employed to mitigate potential delays in reproductive management� It is crucial to recognize that opting to abstain from or delay pregnancy detection could significantly impact the success of the operation, potentially jeopardizing the upcoming calving season and the overall reproductive performance of the cow-calf system
Sources found on page 32.
The South Dakota Cattlemen's Foundation (SDCF) facilitates the generosity of the beef industry to educate and build trust with the state's consumers, ensuring the industry's longterm viability The Foundation established three projects to assist in promoting their mission: the Prime Time Gala and concert, a scholarship program, and the Fed Cattle Challenge�
Since joining forces with Feeding South Dakota, the Prime Time Gala has raised critical funds to provide beef to food insecure families throughout the state�This year marked the 11th annual Prime Time Gala� Thanks to the generosity of event sponsors, auction donors and buyers, table sponsors, partners, and countless volunteers, the Foundation was able to make a donation to Feeding South Dakota of $303,622, bringing the total to $2,720,044 since the event's founding in 2013!This amount allows Feeding South Dakota to purchase and distribute high-quality beef to all 66 counties in the state!
Along with the donation to Feeding South Dakota,the SDCF presented award the JeanWilkinson Memorial Branding Iron award and scholarships to students�Congratulations to SDCA member,Brian Gilbert, on receiving the JeanWilkinson award! Scholarship recipients included Megan Sanders, Miles Hoffman, Henry Wright, Kenidey Effling, Lily Fods, and Tanner Grupe�
On behalf of the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association, congratulations to the South Dakota Cattlemen's Foundation on another successful Prime Time Gala! The SDCA is proud to support the Foundation as a sponsor and support their endeavors to promote beef and beef producers, but most importantly, their mission to provide high-quality beef protein on the dinner table across the state!
Collegiate Cattlemen's Wraps Up Successful Year
Kristen Smith, SDSU Student & SDCA Contributor
Nearly 130 South Dakota State University students have become members of the year old, Collegiate Cattlemen’s Club�
“Developing a new club that has only had room to grow has been my favorite part of this first year,” said Mitchell VanderWal, former Collegiate Cattlemen’s President �
In the next year, Mitchell hopes to find students at South Dakota State University (SDSU) that may not know about Collegiate Cattlemen’s Club, but are excited to join.
“Collegiate Cattlemen’s allowed me to meet some fantastic people in the beef industry,” says Bruce Van De Stroet, former club treasurer
Bruce is thankful for the opportunities that were provided to further their networking with industry leaders
This spring, the club took 20 students on a weekend field trip to Jorgensen Land & Cattle, Winner Circle Feedyard, Lakeview Colony, and Custom Genetic Solutions to create connections and gain new insights �
“One of my favorite aspects of Cattlemen’s was the spring trip at the LakeView Colony, where we learned about their operation and how to take advantage of niche markets,” says Bruce �
This year, Collegiate Cattlemen’s Club brought in countless speakers including Todd Willkinson, SDCA Cattleman and NCBA Past President; Galle Waletich, Director of Membership and Affiliate Services at NCBA; Roxanne Knock, Dakotaland Feeds; Colin Geppert, Renovo; Matthew Delbar, AgSpire; Gail Gullickson, USDA FSA; Craig Dybedal, Zoetis; and Margaret Pennock, SD Corn�
At the final meeting of the spring semester, officer elections
Bieber presenting to the Collegiate Cattlemen's Club.
were held and guest speaker Craig Bieber, SDCA Vice President from Bieber Red Angus of Leola, South Dakota, provided students with professional advice about creating and maintaining a personal network
“As students, move around the room, make those connections because you will remember them forever,” said Craig Craig encouraged students to not only look for opportunities, but to be open to those opportunities �
“Some of the best deals I have made weren’t at the most opportune time,” said Craig �
“We’ve just wrapped up the first of many successful years as a club and there has been so many people impressed with how many students have been attending meetings throughout the year and how engaged they are,” said Warren Rusche,Assistant Professor & SDSU Extension Specialist and club advisor.
“I think there is a bright future for this club, and I am excited to work with this new group of leaders,” said Warren�
The newly elected officer team:
• President: Megan Sanders – Oral, South Dakota
• Vice President: Sydney Heins – Orono, Minnesota
• Secretary: Abigail Morse – Madison, South Dakota
• Treasurer: Drew Stock – Waukon, Iowa
• Media: Ella Stiefvater – Salem, South Dakota
“As newly elected president, I am looking forward to growing the club, promoting education in the production agriculture sector, and getting involved in the community through agriculture education and community service,” said Sanders�
L to R: Bieber, Sanders, Heins, Stiefvater, Morse, Stock, and Rusche.
Salem Veterinary Clinic
Stiefvater Family
Nestled in the heart of Salem,South Dakota,lies SalemVeterinary Service – a business of care and unyielding commitment.The Stiefvater family is dedicated to bringing their community together through their exceptional veterinary service.
At Salem Veterinary Clinic, it’s a family affair Dr Mike Stiefvater, veterinarian, and owner, oversees the business with a thorough hand � Carie, his wife and right-hand partner, executes the roles of office manager and vet assistant, ensuring that both the front desk and the examination table run efficiently. Their children, Hadley, Ella, Colton, and Skylar are also involved in the business, as office and vet assistants and cleaning crew, all while balancing schoolwork and extracurricular activities.
Even Liz, Mike's mother, can be seen lending a hand – whether it’s tidying up the office or running errands, her presence adds a touch of wisdom to the bustling clinic � Together, with a dedicated full-time receptionist who fits seamlessly into their family dynamics, they form a close-knit team�
At Salem Veterinary Service, it’s not just about medical expertise – it’s about caring with heart. Specializing in cow/calf and feeder cattle operations, the Stiefvaters treat each animal as if it were their own� From herd health management to ultrasounding, calf processing, and bull semen testing, their hands-on approach is infused with personal touch. The clinic’s reach extends to sheep, goats, and even companion animals, offering general medicine
and surgery with the same warmth and dedication �
Following graduation from vet school, Mike started at Lakeview Veterinary Clinic in Mitchell, SD, and did relief vet work at clinics in Platte and Kimball, SD� In 1996 the Salem Veterinary Clinic started as a mobile practice Mike traveled the countryside for two years before purchasing their current location in Salem. Each step and each clinic prior to finding home, provided lessons and experiences that would later shape the Salem Veterinary Clinic �
To the Stiefvaters, veterinary medicine is more than a profession – it’s a calling. “God directed me to this path so that I could help people by ensuring the health of their animals,” said Mike � For Mike, promoting animal well-being extends beyond health, but also ensuring that the food supply chain remains robust and safe, echoing this profound purpose is the heartbeat of their service to the cattle industry�
Salem Veterinary Clinic’s philosophy is simple, yet powerful, “do the common things, uncommonly well�” Mike embraced this motto in vet school, and it permeates every aspect of their practice � While the clinic isn’t a specialty clinic, they have mastered the basics, treating each case with unparallel care, as best as they can � Their deep involvement with their own animals gives them unique empathy, treating cattle they encounter with the same devotion that they have for their herd
Challenges are no strangers to the Stiefvaters Mike speaks of the dwindling interest among younger generations to stay rooted in the beef industry. The struggle to find new vets willing to work with large animals or take on mixed practices, especially after hours. Mike’s advice to the next generation is to keep things simple Don’t complicate the journey. Remember the wisdom of past generations – it’s there for a reason� Tend to the land and animals with care, and don’t let technology overshadow the essentials � ”
While challenges remain, their vision for the future is clear – staying at the forefront of industry trends, from EID tags to cutting edge technologies, ensuring that their clients be as efficient as possible with the latest technology.
The Stiefvater family essence is rooted in their family-first approach� Homeschooling their children has integrated them in the interworking’s of the clinic, where they’ve learned the ropes of veterinary care from a young age � Growing up amidst the hustle and bustle, they’ve come to understand that there’s not set hour in a workday and no limit to hard work� This upbringing has not only bonded the family but has also instilled a profound respect for their craft�
At Salem Veterinary Clinic, family and profession blend seamlessly, creating a unique and nurturing environment where every animal and client feels part of the family
Colton, Mike, Hadley, Ella, Skylar, and Carie.
The South Dakota Cattlemen's Association invites the public and fellow members to join Region Directors at a Region Roundup event near you! Region Roundup events offer a meal among fellow cattle producers and industry members, followed by an open forum led by Dr.BethThompson,StateVeterinarian and the Executive Secretary of the South Dakota Animal Industry Board� Dr�Thompson will lead discussions and provide insights on the implementation of the USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service's updated final rule regarding electronic identification (EID) for disease traceability.
Mitchell | July 17th @ 6:00 PM | Blarney's Sports Bar & Grill
Webster | July 22nd @ 6:00 PM | Pereboom's Cafe
Winner | July 29th @ 5:30 PM | Winner Livestock Auction
Gettysburg | August 12th @ 6:00 PM | Bob's Steakhouse
Spearish | September 15th @ 6:00 PM MST | Killian's Food & Drink
Meet Panelists
Ethan Lane
Vice President, Government Affairs
Ethan leads NCBA’s Washington office as the Vice President of Government Affairs. He is a fifth-generation Arizonan with more than two decades of experience in natural resources, land use issues, and advocacy on behalf of the cattle industry� Prior to his current role, he was the Executive Director for the Public Lands Council, and Senior Executive Director of the NCBA Federal Lands portfolio. Ethan has also operated a consulting firm where he worked on multiple high-profile political campaigns and advised clients in a variety of industries on regulatory and legislative issues � Before moving to Washington, Ethan spent 10 years managing and helping to grow a large real estate and ranch portfolio in Arizona
TanNer Beymer
Senior Director, Government Affairs
Tanner Beymer works as NCBA’s Senior Director of Government Affairs, and serves as the staff liaison to the NCBA Live Cattle Marketing Committee � Previously, Beymer was Director of Government Affairs & Market Regulatory Policy� He regularly advocates to the Congress, U S Deparment of Agriculture, Commodities Futures Trading Commission, CME Group, and other industry partners to ensure farmers and ranchers maintain an efficient and transparent environment in which to market their cattle � Originally from southern Idaho, Tanner grew up in the cattle industry and attended the University of Idaho where he studied agricultural economics and political science � He previously served as Associate Director of NCBA Federal Lands and the Public Lands Council, where his lobbying work focused on modernizing the Endangered Species Act and streamlining the National Environmental Policy Act.
When ranch families discuss improvements, changing old familiar practices doesn’t come easy� Fortunately, there’s a growing community of ranchers who have made mindset leaps and trailblazed paths to successful ranch longevity�
It begins with small steps toward soil health, opening the mindset to education� It ends with greater grazing productivity, herd profitability, and a better holistic ranch environment.
In south-central South Dakota’s Mellette County, rancher Dan Rasmussen says their first step required education, a range consultant, and initial pasture rests during the early 1990s to convince his dad Skee to make changes on their 1914 homesteaded 33 Ranch near Belvidere �
“We didn’t want to change our culture completely but adapt it to benefit the land, livestock, people, and our finances,” he says � “This branding photo in our beautiful pasture exemplifies the cowboy culture of neighbors working together� Despite all our changes, we have saved such culture because this community, from young to old, is important to our longevity�”
With an SDSU bachelor’s degree in his pocket, Rasmussen decided to leap at an opportunity to teach farm management in Botswana, Africa Those two years in the early 1980s gave him an eye-opening perspective that all farmers and ranchers value their land and want to take care of it�
“Education is the basis to bring people forward, helping them improve their land and family life Values are the same whether you’re a subsistence farmer in the Kalahari Desert or running a 100,000-acre ranch,” he says �
Ranch with Nature Rasmussen’s education passion, encouraged by his dad, was fueled by the 1990 Bootstraps program “Reaching conservation practices can build a sustainable operation�
Improve Soil Health and
“This classroom and range consultant pilot program was very good, in many ways similar to today’s South Dakota Grassland Coalition (SDGC) Grazing School and FollowUp Range Consulting Program. It was my first step away from viewing how our traditional ranch culture of seasonlong grazing, late winter calving, and putting up hay all summer wasn’t good for the land and nature,” he says�
After spending a week with the range consultant, Dan and Skee were told that rotational grazing would improve the land “My dad told him it wasn’t going to work, so the consultant advised us to go slowly,” Rasmussen says
Their first step was to combine their herds and use current pastures � They chose a test pasture near the house to graze for a few weeks, followed by a long rest� After two years, Skee witnessed with amazement how warm season native grasses proliferated and urged Dan to move faster with more fences and water development�
Test Changes Mindset
“We saw the damage caused by season-long grazing when cattle grazed patches of big bluestem, little bluestem and sideoats grama to the ground,” Rasmussen says � “We had no idea resting a pasture would bring these native grasses and forbs back� That got the ball rolling� It showed us how nature and rotational grazing helped plants become healthier and, over the years, create healthy soil ”
Seeing the difference in water infiltration was another ‘aha’ moment on the road to healthier soil� Rasmussen used an NRCS water infiltration kit to learn that an equal amount of water took 45 minutes to be absorbed in a hayfield compared to 45 seconds in a native pasture across the road
Since the 1990s, Rasmussen says they’ve been subdividing pastures about every year and now rotational graze among 40 paddocks� They understand the learning curve can be steep, yet mentor education has proven to reduce their fears
“We were fortunate to have then-NRCS district conservationist Dave Steffen and rancher Barry Dunn as valuable mentors, both instrumental in the Bootstraps program,” Rasmussen says “Steffen’s legacy of teaching
and KeEp Ranch Culture
“Steffen’s legacy of teaching the importance of pasture observation and learning what nature, plants, and grazing gives you have benefitted us and many others.”
Another challenging decision was moving their calving dates from March to May, which turned out to be the single most profitable decision made on 33 Ranch � They were no longer limited to calving in pastures near a shelter, which opened up rotational grazing options, including pastures no longer used for haying�
Healthy Soil Silver Bullet
Rasmussen is an excellent example of paying his mindsetchanging experience forward to promote the benefits of Holistic Resource Management (HRM). He spent decades on the SDGC Board, playing lead roles in the Grazing School and many educational efforts He left the board in 2018 to manage the Range Consulting Program and directly help ranchers overcome their mindset challenges�
By the end of this Follow-up program grant, Rasmussen believes they’ll have reviewed 130 ranches, each receiving 40 hours of consulting� Thanks to funding support from NRCS and many partners, the only financial and time requirement is $300 for the three-day Grazing School.
Guiding ranchers toward this silver bullet of soil health starts where each ranch exists on the line graph below. “Since every ranch is unique given family, nature, operation size and scope, and many more variables, we aim is to nudge them forward (to the right on the line) at a comfortable pace to accomplish initial goals,” Rasmussen says. “We tackle written obstacles one at a time, find some successes, then build on that passion to improve soil health�”
Find Your Team
The enthusiasm often invoked by Grazing School attendees can easily lead to a do-it-all-now focus, according to Rasmussen, who speaks from experience. “Diving in with passion is great, but turning knowledge into experience is full of challenges, and things will go wrong,” he says� “That’s why the Grasslands Coalition has a great mentor network to help anyone work their way through possible challenges ”
He advises finding partners who will understand your goals and have your back� “I mean your banker, mineral salesman, fencing guy, HRM ranchers, tax accountant, and more who can sit at your table and help you. If they don’t, find somebody else.”
For more details of Rasmussen’s journey, visit www.growingresiliencesd.com, click on Content/ Podcasts and listen to Dan’s story (Podcast 65).
Improving the Farm Bill
U.S. Representative and House Ag Committee Member Dusty Johnson
You likely know better than most how important an updated Farm Bill is for rural America and consumers around the world� The Farm Bill is up for renewal every five years, allowing for updates to reference prices, rural broadband, crop insurance, and more to reflect the current economy and environment. COVID-19, record inflation, technological advancements, and shifts in trade markets have created the need for policy changes� The agriculture industry is facing challenges it wasn’t facing in 2018
Over the past several months and years, I’ve been working with the House Agriculture Committee and its Chairman GT Thompson (R-PA) to bring these necessary updates to life � The Committee hosted eighty listening sessions in forty states, including South Dakota, to hear from farmers and ranchers directly� We want to know what works and what doesn’t directly from producers like you � As the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development, I worked closely with Chairman Thompson for months to update policy provisions to better serve South Dakotans We took the feedback from producers into account, including those from South Dakota, and compiled a robust and effective Farm Bill�
The product of all that work, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, passed the House Ag Committee at the end of May with a bipartisan vote I’m proud it included many of my provisions like the Butcher Block Act and A-PLUS Act, which both make it easier to add processing capacity outside the Big Four and foster healthy competition in livestock markets.The Farm Bill also included my FOREST Act, which would streamline the permitting process for rural broadband infrastructure projects on National Forest System lands that have already undergone analyses for environmental and cultural regulations. Requiring broadband deployment to go through a permitting process that has been completed in the past is not only repetitive but slows down growth and innovation, leaving rural America lagging in a world moving faster by the second�
Risk management programs need updates to better serve farmers and ranchers when disaster strikes� For cattle producers, this includes expanding the Livestock Indemnity Program to cover 100% of the cost of an attack by a federally protected predator and allowing supplemental payments to cover the loss of unborn calves� The Farm Bill
will also provide more frequent updates to the fair market value of cattle, ensuring that when these disaster programs do kick in, they reflect the current market conditions.
Throughout conversations with members of the Ag Committee, we came to agreement on a historic investment in conservation programs while ensuring programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, and Regional Conservation Partnership Program remain voluntary, producer-led, and without requirements that needlessly preclude participation. American producers know the value of a healthy and flourishing environment for their livestock and crops.We’ve seen the Biden Administration push their climate agenda on public and private lands, which could restrict grazing access for livestock� My colleagues and I have pushed back on these efforts multiple times. Environmental conservation works the best when it starts at the producer level while simultaneously respecting our land’s natural resources�
Over the last several months and years, we’ve seen unfortunate disease outbreaks among livestock across the country and around the world� You know how imperative it is to keep our livestock safe and healthy from diseases that spread quickly. The Farm Bill reauthorizes and increases funding for the “three-legged stool” of animal health programs—the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, and the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank—to protect against these foreign animal diseases� We know animal health isn’t only important for its well-being, but to ensure supply continues to meet market demand� A widespread disease could empty grocery store refrigerators and shelves like we saw in 2020 after multiple black swan events� This was an unfortunate reality that we don’t want to witness again�
It was a long, thirteen-hour process to debate and pass the Farm Bill out of the Ag Committee, but it’s necessary work to ensure these provisions were included in the final bill reported out of committee� Rural America needs this update to programs for water, energy, broadband, crops, conservation, and more These Farm Bill updates will ease the burden of inflation, increase broadband speeds and access, expand trade markets for U�S� commodities, and support our livestock producers� I hope the full House and Senate consider it soon�
Numerous factors affect the performance and longevity of beef cattle herds, which are largely dependent upon management� As cattle are out on pasture, taking time this summer to reevaluate your current management and consider how various factors may influence your herd coming into the fall can help set your herd up for future success� Beef cattle operations should be managed as any other business and account for inputs and outputs� It is essential to record your herd’s current performance, as you can’t manage what you don’t measure � Items to consider include the past year’s conception rates; live calf percentages at calving; body condition score of cattle at breeding, calving and current state; and health status, to name a few.The next step is to note any area of concern and identify operational goals for the year� Finally, recording this year’s performance can help you conclude if you reached your target, and perhaps provide further explanation if you were not successful You should also note the feed resource inventory This includes how much feed was supplemented over winter months, current pasture conditions, available pasture resources, and alternative grazing resources� Considering year-round feed resources now may determine how much haying needs to be done during the summer months
In the cattle industry, there is not a one size fits all solution to every problem� However, a key component to most issues producers face is ensuring cattle are in a good nutritional status� Cattle need to be in a body condition score of a 5 (mature cows) or 6 (heifers), which is accomplished by meeting nutrient requirements. Adequate protein, energy, and other nutrient requirements for the stage of production a beef animal is in are at the root of growth, health, and reproductive success� For the most part, pastures in the summer months will provide ample resources to meet nutritional needs Testing feed and water resources can identify if you are lacking in any nutrients� Water and feed composition can vary greatly depending on where you are located, and therefore mineral supplements need to be formulated for your region� Mineral imbalances can be hard to detect and oftentimes are not identified until it is too late. Without appropriate balance of minerals, cattle may suffer detrimental effects, such as impaired immune function and reduced conception rates � Offering a mineral supplement formulated for your region can alleviate some of these concerns Administering vaccinations, parasiticides, and insecticides
Management Considerations
By: Erin R. DeHaan, Ph.D.
to control pathogens and parasites can contribute to improved herd health A key component to administrating these products includes following label instructions and veterinarian recommendations to ensure this is done in the appropriate way and at the appropriate time � This can reduce the time and labor needed to address retreats and potential outbreaks Various marketing programs are also available for calves vaccinated at designated times prior to weaning and may increase profits at weaning.
Low-stress handling can improve performance, responsiveness to vaccinations, conception rates, animal behavior, and producer morale This practice can also help improve management skills by learning to identify abnormal behavior by problem cattle that are either sick or flighty� Handling cattle in a lowstress manner should be a priority for every operation�
Proper grazing management maximizes rangeland utilization and cattle performance � Different grazing systems are used throughout the state and vary depending on region, time of year, forage species, herd size, lease agreements, etc � In general, allowing cattle to graze with at least 50% utilization can optimize both the pasture and cow herd performance The ideal grazing system (and adequate precipitation) can maximize the grazing season, and in some cases extend the grazing season � Overgrazing pastures oftentimes translates to performance issues as cattle nutrients are not being met Avoiding overgrazing and providing rest periods for pastures can allow for plant regrowth as well as provide resiliency during adverse conditions�
While these are only a handful of points to consider, the important thing to remember is to keep track of where you are at and where you want to be with your operation� Determining where additional improvements can be made will help bring your beef business to the next level. For more information, contact Erin DeHaan at 605-394-2236 or erin�dehaan@sdstate �edu�
SDCA Working for You
Taya Runyan, SDCA Executive Director
Resource Meeting
Last year the SDCA made changes to the annual fiscal year, to run July through June � The resource committee met in the first week of June to review revenue and expenses as well as discuss the financial goals for the upcoming year and propose a budget for FY 2025� New general fundraising efforts to support ongoing programming and Funding new initiatives such as the SDCA Leadership Academy will be a focus in the upcoming year Securing sponsor support and investment from SDCA members for the Academy through the Leave Your Mark Campaign will be a priority� SDC A is also working to secure competitive grand funding to provide additional programming and recourses for members throughout the year. The final budget recommendation was submitted to the Board of Directors for review and approved at the June board meeting�
Leave Your Mark
A year ago, SDCA retired its “Fair Share Dues” and the Board began brainstorming a way to help members make a lasting impact on our organization and the beef industry In mid-July, SDCA will launch the Leave Your Mark Legacy Fund, a voluntary fundraising initiative to support specific SDCA programs and initiatives selected by the SDCA Board of Directors that will advance the interests of cattlemen across our state and ensuring the sustainability and growth of the organization� The SDCA Board of Directors has elected to earmark contributions to the Leave Your Mark Legacy Fund in fiscal year 2025 to support the creation and administration of the new South Dakota Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy. The Academy is designed to strengthen our association and prepare to tackle the challenges ahead by identifying and developing future leaders within the beef industry by empowering emerging leaders with knowledge of the various sectors of cattle production and marketing, skills to communicate and advocate on behalf of producers, and the desire lead into the future. Contribute to the Leave Your Mark Legacy Fund or learn more about the Leadership Academy at sdcattlemen.org.
June Board of Directors Meeting
The SDCA Board of Directors met in Sioux Falls on June 22 for their quarterly meeting. Prior to the the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation Prime Time Gala and concert and allowed officers and directors the opportunity to attend the event and support the efforts of the Foundation� NCBA President Mark Eisele and past president Todd Wilkinson joined the meeting to provide NCBA updates, too!
During the meeting, the Board nominated Katie Mauch to fill one of three seats on the South Dakota Beef Industry Council� When the new term begins in October, Mauch will
join Marshall Edelman and Carl Sanders on the Council representing the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association
Colby Olson offered a full report of the Young Cattlemen’s Conference hosted by NCBA� You can read more about Colby's YCC experience on pages 6 and 7. As an affiliate of NCBA, the SDCA can send one member each year� If you are interested in applying to attend on behalf of SDCA in the future, please reach out to one of the board members or contact the office for additional details on how to apply.
In addition to regular business, the Board heard a presentation from Nathan Sanderson, Executive Director for the South Dakota Retailers Association on the upcoming ballot measure to repeal sales tax as well as a preview of tax policy that will be the topic of conversation during the upcoming legislative session. The next SDCA Board of Directors meeting will be in Pierre on September 19, 2024
Summer Study: Property Tax Methodology
The South Dakota Legislature established a new summer study to review the methodology of assessing property taxes in South Dakota The last summer study to address property tax was held in 2022. The first meeting, co-chaired by Sen. Randy Diebert and Rep� Drew Peterson, was held on June 17th� Three additional meetings will be held in August, September, and October�The committee will hear public testimony at the September meeting. Under the current property tax system, there is a reduced burden on agricultural land reflecting the change from the old market value assessment system for agricultural land to a productivity-based model in 2008� The SDCA has policy in place that supports the productivity- based model and opposes changes to tax structure that would result in an unfair shift of the tax burden to agricultural producers.
NASS Letter - July Cattle Report
In mid-April, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) announced cancellation of the July Cattle inventory report and discontinuation and/or revision of other reports. The agency’s stated rationale for the move is to accommodate budget reductions contained in the most recent appropriations bills In May, South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association worked with Senator Thune, Senator Rounds, and Representative Johnson to join other members of Congress in sending letter to Secretary Vilsack asking for a reversal of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) decision to cancel the July Cattle report, County Estimates for Crops and Livestock, and other important data series� The information contained in the reports provide important data to producers that can aid in decision making Scan the QR Code to view the signed letter
USDA Final Rule - Traceability & EID
USDA- APHIS published the final rule in the federal register on May 9 that establishes electronic identification tags as the official national identification method. The rule will take effect on November 5, 2024. This rule has raised questions from producers across the state � To provide answers, SDCA is hosting an open forum at each of this summer’s Region Round Up events. A few important take aways are:
• A national identification system has been in place since 2013.
• This updated rule does not change the types of animals to which official identification requirements apply, nor does it change the categories of aniamls that are exempted from official identification requirements.
• The information gathered and ultimately submitted to the national identification has been and continues to be protected � Avaiability of identifying information is limited to regulatory officials for the purpose of disease tracing activities and not available to the general public
For additional details and USDA APHIS response to public comment received during the rule making period , scan the QR code:
Farm Bill
The House and Senate Ag Committees have each released their respective versions of a new Farm Bill� The consensus is that while there are some differences between the House and Senate, both versions are better for forest and land management than any Farm Bill in recent memory and the base text is workable. The timeline for next steps remains unknown, so while not impossible, it is unlikely we will see a new Farm Bill in 2024�
In the meantime, SDCA and NCBA will continue to push for priorities for cattle producers to be included � Other members of Congress are also making their requests for the Farm Bill. A few, including SD Senator Rounds, have requested that Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) be reinstated in the next Farm Bill.
SDCA policy opposes MCOOL, however has been a supporter of voluntary COOL labeling as a marketing tool � Recent changes to Product of the USA labeling, coupled with US food safety standards meat that a marketing tool like MCOOL is not necessary and could have significant negative impacts on foreign trade.
The SDCA is committed to focusing on the facts when considering policy on issues like MCOOL that can affect producers and beef consumers �
MCOoL Fast Facts
1 United States cattle producers raise safe, highquality beef and have worked hard for many years to build a brand that consumers love and trust MCOOL places a government-mandated marketing program in direct competition with voluntary, producer-driven labeling programs and does not encourage product differentiation from producers�
2� SDCA supports voluntary, source-verified labels that foster product differentiation while being trade copliant, such as the "Product of the USA" label and voluntary COOL.
3 MCOOL would likely trigger over $1 billion in retalitory tariffs on U S agricultural goods
4 MCOOL is not a food safety mechanism, it is a marketing program. Studies show that MCOOL did not improve safety or build consumer confidence.
5� MCOOL would have significant compliance costs that would likely be passed from packer to prodcuer and retail to consumer�
Vendor registration is now open - scan the QR code and reserve your booth today! Reserve your hotel room by calling 605.224.6877 or by scanning the QR code.
Attendee registration opens September 2024.
Reserve a Room!
Become a Vendor!
Affiliate Spotlight: Central CatTlemen
Central Cattlemen's Officers
Scott Slepikas | President
Derek Chase | Vice President
John Krutzfeldt | Secretary
Eric Gross | Teasurer
Central Cattlemen's Highlights
• Provide scholarship opportunities for local youth.
• Host annual affiliate meetings.
• Donate to the SDCA's President Auction at the Convention.
• Donate to support the State Fair's new DEX building.
• Cook and donate beef to local events and achievement days.
• Cook for local farm gatherings and customer appreciation events.
• Volunteer at the SDCA's Beef Booth.
Follow Central Cattlemen's on Facebook to learn more and keep up with the latest updates and events: @CentralCattlemen.
Making the Most of Membership
By: Jake Harms
We’ve seen an interesting start to summer across the state of South Dakota� I write to you from the North Central part of the state where we’ve experienced drier conditions after minimal snow cover this past winter� Our neighbors to the south are seeing the opposite – with many of them suffering from torrential rains over the past few weeks that have wiped out crops and flooded pastures. It’s times like these that remind us how crucial good pasture management and decision-making practices are for our operations and our livestock. Effective management not only ensures the health and productivity of the cattle but also preserves the integrity of the land for future generations
Having an effective plan for managing your pastures doesn’t mean you get to do things the way you’ve always done them It’s essential to be open-minded and willing to adapt, especially as we see the landscape and the weather change week in and week out� As cattlemen and women, we must be diligent about our rotational grazing schedule, forage selection, water management practices, and promoting soil health Now is as good a time as any to review what you’ve been doing to see if it’s the best plan of action to mitigate risk and handle severe weather like drought and flooding. Through SDCA, there are multiple educational opportunities to learn more and discuss this topic, along with experts and connect with other producers from around
your region and state to converse about alternate practices�
One hurdle I hear people in our industry deal with is change� It’s a constant in our business and our lives, but something that many of us are not comfortable with� We’d rather continue in our predecessors’ footsteps than blaze our own trail because change can be hard We do not always know if the change is going to work, which makes it even more scary� If you remember one thing from this article, remember this: the historical way and the best way are not always the same� Whether it’s your pasture management strategy or your marketing plan, make sure you are taking stock of how it’s going and be open to the idea that there might be a better way�
As we roll into the second half of the year, I hope you take this time to reflect on what has worked up to this point, and audit what isn’t going so well�Ask what changes can be made going forward to improve outcomes for the second half of 2024� SDCA is also doing this to be able to give our members better return on their involvement and investment� If there are things that you believe could use improvement or questions you might have about what we are doing on your behalf, attend a Region Roundup event near you. Engage your Region Directors so they can bring your thoughts forward, and as always, please invite your fellow producers who may not be members and would like to become involved I believe SDCA is taking steps to change for the better and make our state association even more beneficial to the true drivers of SDCA policy - our producer members�
2024 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Recipient Tour
Blioux River Ranch
Barry & Eli Little and Family
Thursday, August 8, 2024 | 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM | Castlewood, SD
Please RSVP for meal count to Judge Jessop at jljessop@kennebectelephone.com or call/text 605.280.0127.
Returning to my Roots through beefSD
By: Lorrin Naasz, SDCA Director of Communications & Outreach
Growing up, I always felt my heart belonged on Hellmann’s Quiet Creek Ranch� However, I wasn’t sure what that would entail or if there’d be room for me as another hand � My dad used to say, “go out, experience new things, learn as much as you can and bring it back here �” I followed his advice and attended Black Hills State University (BHSU), earning a degree in communications and a master’s in strategic leadership�
I know what you’re thinking – BHSU isn’t an ag college. Despite having a background in agriculture, I wanted to pursue a degree outside of the industry� Yet, I always knew my heart was with the cattle industry, and I would return�
Upon returning to the industry, I quickly realized its diversity – far beyond the cow/calf operation that I knew and loved. At times, I remember thinking “man, why didn’t I attend an ag school!?”, especially when I knew I was going to return to the industry (but we all know how that goes when you’re young and 'thinking for yourself'). I was determined to learn and grow, both for the ranch and my role with the SDCA
beefSD is an intensive educational program designed to take participants to the next level in beef enterprise management� Participation in the beefSD program is an excellent opportunity for all beef producers to increase knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the beef industry and develop the skills needed to be successful beef business managers
Class 7 will run from 2024-2026
ClasS 7 BeEfSD
apPlIcations Open July 8th on
SDSU Extension's Website.
That is where beefSD became invaluable I joined class six of the program and gained extensive knowledge –from the feeder and seedstock sectors to various cattle marketing strategies and succession planning � beefSD encompasses all facets of the industry, arming new and beginning producers with the tools they need to elevate their operations� The camaraderie with classmates, the connections made at each seminar, and the priceless support from the fantastic folks at SDSU Extension.
Fast forward to today, and I’m exactly where I’m meant to be, thanks to the beefSD program. I’ve gained confidence in various industry areas and feel well-equipped to engage in discussions about the industry� I serve our membership more effectively, staying attuned to daily operations and leveraging resources for our members’ long-term success I work alongside my dad part-time as we discuss the future of the ranch, strategic planning, explore opportunities for new markets and more.
If you’re a young or new producer, I wholeheartedly encourage you to join Class 7 of beefSD – you won’t regret it!
Quiet Creek Ranch homestead purchased during the Tripp County Land Lottery. Since 1909, the ranch has grown to 11,000 acres in south central SD and Nebraska.
Class 6 visiting with Conagra Brands about the marketing strategy behind their iconic brands, with beef being a primary soure of protein.
Upcoming Events:
• July 12-13, 2024 | Douglas County Fair in Omaha, NE
• August 17, 2024 | International Football League Championships in Las Vegas, NV
The Build Your Base team is excited to announce their beef jerky will now be processed at Steamboat Jerky in Pierre, SD!
The Build Your Base Olympians competed at the U.S. Trials - Track and Field in Eugene, OR, June 21-30, 2024. Holly Swee, Director of Nutrtion, was there to represent Build Your Base.
Upcoming Events:
• July 20, 2024 | Summer Carnival at the Stockyards Ag Experience in Sioux Falls, SD
• July 25, 2024 | Ag PhD Field Day in Baltic, SD
• August 13, 2024 | Turner County Fair in Parker, SD
• August 16-24, 2024 | Central States Fair in Rapid City, SD
• August 17, 2024 | Brown County Fair in Aberdeen, SD
• August 20-22, 2024 | Dakotafest in Mitchell, SD
• August 28 - September 2, 2024 | South Dakota State Fair in Huron, SD
• September 9-15, 2024 | Sanford International PGA Golf Tour in Sioux Falls, SD
• September 26-28, 2024 | Cinch Playoffs in Sioux Falls, SD
• August 1, 2024 | So Dak Best Burger Winner Announcement
Pregnancy Diagnosis: From Classic to Modern Methods sources: Balhara, A. K., Gupta, M., Singh, S., Mohanty, A. K., & Singh, I. (2013). Early Pregnancy Diagnosis in Bovines: Current Status and Future Directions. The Scientific World Journal, 2013, 958540. https://doi. org/10.1155/2013/958540 Barbato, O., Menchetti, L., Brecchia, G., & Barile, V. L. (2022). Using Pregnancy-Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs) to Improve Reproductive Management: From Dairy Cows to Other Dairy Livestock. Animals: An Open Access Journal from MDPI, 12(16), 2033. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12162033
Gatea, A. O., Smith, M. F., Pohler, K. G., Egen, T., Pereira, M. H. C., Vasconselos, J. L. M., Lawrence, J. C., & Green, J. A. (2018). The ability to predict pregnancy loss in cattle with ELISAs that detect pregnancyassociated glycoproteins is antibody-dependent. Theriogenology, 108, 269–276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. theriogenology.2017.12.021
Pugliesi, G., de Melo, G. D., Ataíde, G. A., Pellegrino, C. A. G., Silva, J. B., Rocha, C. C., Motta, I. G., Vasconcelos, J. L. M., & Binelli, M. (n.d.). Use of Doppler ultrasonography in embryo transfer programs: Feasibility and field results. Animal Reproduction, 15(3), 239–246. https://doi.org/10.21451/1984-3143-AR2018-0059
Pugliesi, G., Guimarães Da Silva, A., Viana, J. H. M., & Siqueira, L. G. B. (2023). Review: Current status of corpus luteum assessment by Doppler ultrasonography to diagnose non-pregnancy and select embryo recipients in cattle. Animal, 17, 100752. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2023.100752
Yáñez, U., Murillo, A. V., Becerra, J. J., Herradón, P. G., Peña, A. I., & Quintela, L. A. (2023). Comparison between transrectal palpation, B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography to assess luteal function in Holstein cattle. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1162589
SDCA Affiliate Contacts
Black Hills: Britton Blair, Vale • 605-347-0426 • britton blair@yahoo com
Central: Scott Slepikas, Huron • 605-354-1870 • slepikasfarm@gmail com
Clark Hamlin: Chance Popham, Hayti • 605-880-2717 • P4cattleco@gmail�com
Davison-Hanson: Calli Williams, Letcher • 605-695-1990 • callicwilliams@gmail�com
East Central: Andy Dupraz, White • 605-629-3859 • adupraz@itctel�com
Kingsbury: Nick Wilkinson, Lake Preston • 605-203-0711 • wilkinsonn77@gmail com
McCook-Miner-Lake: Pete Hanson, Fedora • 605-421-8251 • hansenrancher@gmail com
Northeast: Nancy Johnson, Milbank • 605-432-5600 • mnjohn@tnics com
North Central: Bryan Gill, Timber Lake • 701-730-0134 • bigredgenetics@hotmail com
Northern Oahe: Jay Jones, Trail City • 605-845-3082 • jones@westriv com
Sioux Basin: Carl Johnson, Dell Rapids • 605-651-5064 • cjohnsonfarm@outlook com
South Central: Kent Geppert, Kimball • 605-778-6227 • geppert@midstatesd�net
West Central: Matt Jones, Midland • 605-843-2066 • ropeonthecorner@yahoo�com
+ Beef Month Coloring Contest
W I N N E R S
The South Dakota Cattlemen's Association and the South Dakota Beef Industry Council hosted a coloring contest to celebrate May Beef Month. Thank you to all who participated in the contest - there were many great entries!
Age 4-7 Winners
Age 8-11 Winners
Financial
Research-based
