For Immediate Release: Monday, June 13, 2005
Contact: Mary Lehecka Nelson, 773-3301
Pierre, SD – Five beef processors from across the state are participating in the first round of training for the SOUTH DAKOTA CERTIFIED™ beef pilot processing project. The training is being held June 13-15 in Brookings.
“We’ve come one step closer to making this vision of Governor Rounds a reality,” said Jim Hagen, secretary, Department of Tourism and State Development. “And as a result, consumers are that much closer to being able to know the beef they’re eating is born, raised, and processed right here in South Dakota.”
“With our education underway, the next steps will be for us to license these processors, and inspect their facilities,” said Jafar Karim, director, Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). “If a processor passes, they’ll be able to carry the certification on beef that has met our strict criteria for quality, tenderness and flavor,” he added.
The training is a collaborative effort between the GOED, South Dakota State University and the South Dakota Meat Inspection Program. SDSU Meat Science and Extension personnel are conducting the classroom training. The inspections will be performed by the South Dakota Meat Inspection Program, administered by the state’s Animal Industry Board.
“We’re excited to partner with the state on implementing the SOUTH DAKOTA CERTIFIED™ Beef Program,” said Dr. Robert Maddock, extension meat specialist at SDSU. “SDSU is pleased that the expertise of our staff and faculty can help make this program work.”
Karim said the state plans to conduct two other pilot training sessions prior to opening it up for general enrollment. “To maintain the integrity of this program, it is critical to test policies and procedures before widespread processor enrollment begins,” he said.
The state expects about a 18 processors to participate in the pilot phase through the fall and general enrollment to begin around the end of the year. The first processors are expected to be licensed by the beginning of July 2005.
The Department of Ag continues to work with cattle producers across the state, according to Larry Gabriel, secretary, Department of Agriculture. “We’re starting to sign contracts with producers,” Gabriel said. “We are also partnering with extension offices and local veterinarians to host one-stop shops across the state. These one-stop shops give us an opportunity to explain to producers just how the program works,” Gabriel added.
The concept for SOUTH DAKOTA CERTIFIED™ Beef was incorporated into the State’s 2010 Initiative, a long-term plan for tourism and economic development in South Dakota. For more information on SOUTH DAKOTA CERTIFIED™ Beef, visit southdakotacertifiedbeef.com
