Aberdeen American News - March 2, 2005
By Joe Kafka, Associated Press
PIERRE — An innovative plan to stamp a state-government seal of approval on quality beef products from cattle raised and monitored in South Dakota passed its final legislative test Tuesday.
A bill approved unanimously by the state House would start the SOUTH DAKOTA CERTIFIED™ Beef Program. Only meat from South Dakota cattle would qualify for an official state trademark or seal.
The purpose of the branded-beef program is to improve cattle prices in South Dakota by getting premium prices for steaks, roasts and hamburger sold at home and abroad with a state trademark.
''Only beef that is fed its entire life in South Dakota is entitled to be labeled as SOUTH DAKOTA CERTIFIED™ Beef,'' said Rep. Larry Rhoden, R-Union Center.
Gov. Mike Rounds came up with the idea for a premium beef marketing scheme when he was campaigning for office in 2002.
Certified cattle in the program would be butchered by packing plants in South Dakota, and the meats would carry a SOUTH DAKOTA CERTIFIED™ Beef trademark.
Farmers and ranchers who voluntarily enroll in the program would have to pay licensing fees to the state, which would use the money to finance the effort.
Enrollees would need to follow state standards in raising their cattle. They would have to keep careful records that the state could check to ensure adherence to the program.
SB220, which was passed earlier by the Senate, contains language that would enact it into law the moment Rounds signs the bill. Most bills become law July 1.
State Agriculture Secretary Larry Gabriel has said proposed rules for the program will be quickly announced and the program could begin this summer.
