PIERRE, SD - Tri-County Lockers, Inc. of Newell is the latest licensed processor of SOUTH DAKOTA CERTIFIED™ Beef. In addition to processing, Tri-County Lockers will sell SOUTH DAKOTA CERTIFIED™ products by the pound from its location in downtown Newell.

“In becoming part of the SOUTH DAKOTA CERTIFIED™ program, we are thrilled with the idea that we can now offer our customers a higher standard of locally-grown and processed beef,” said Tri-County Lockers owner Mark Jarnecke.

Because all SOUTH DAKOTA CERTIFIED™ Beef must meet strict quality standards, processors must complete several steps before becoming licensed. First, the processor must complete two days of hands-on and classroom training, offered through SDSU’s Extension Meats program. Following the training session, the processor must pass an inspection of their facility. Once licensed, the SOUTH DAKOTA CERTIFIED™ processor is required to pass annual random inspections and participate in continuing education courses.

“The addition of Tri-County Lockers to the SOUTH DAKOTA CERTIFIED™ processor family exemplifies our continuing commitment to all aspects of the program,” said Bill Even, director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. “At the present time, 12 processing plants are licensed, and SOUTH DAKOTA CERTIFIED™ Beef is sold in more than 30 retail locations across the state,” he added.

For more information on SOUTH DAKOTA CERTIFIED™ Beef, including a complete listing of participating processors, producers, retailers, and restaurants, visit www.southdakotacertified.com.