South Dakota Ready To Capitalize On Branded Beef Processing Opportunity

June 6, 2007 -- PIERRE, S.D.- South Dakota is in a unique position to capitalize on a new premium/branded beef processing opportunity, according to a recently completed South Dakota Beef Study.

The study, conducted by several independent industry consultants with more than 40 years of combined experience in the meat industry, was commissioned by the South Dakota Board of Economic Development in late 2006 in response to continued public and governmental interest in further developing the beef processing industry in South Dakota.

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“Increasing our beef processing capabilities in South Dakota is essential to the continued growth of the SOUTH DAKOTA CERTIFIED™ Beef program,” said Richard Benda, secretary, Department of Tourism and State Development. “This study gave us concrete data that indicates the state is in good position to support a medium-sized facility.”

The study looked at factors such as cattle availability, interest in the SOUTH DAKOTA CERTIFIED Enrolled Cattle™ Program, retail interest in age and source verified beef, cost of freight to market and ethanol industry impact on the South Dakota cattle industry.

“We’ve seen a tremendous amount of interest from our cattle producers and now we are seeing more and more interest from retailers, as well,” Benda said. “This study clearly supports Governor Rounds’ belief that people are interested in age and source verified beef.”

To learn more about South Dakota Certified™ Beef visit www.southdakotacertifiedbeef.com.

Source: South Dakota Governor