Press Room > 2004 :

Value-Added Ag Subfund Project Ready to Move to Next Stage of Development

RELEASE DATE: Thursday, October 21, 2004

For More Information Contact: Mary Lehecka Nelson, 773-3301

Pierre, SD – South Dakota Beef Breeds Council (SDBBC) plans to establish a bull performance testing station in South Dakota, Tina Van Camp, director, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, announced today, Oct. 21.

“This is a perfect example of the Value-Added Ag Subfund at work and another step toward accomplishing the 2010 Initiative goal of promoting value-added ag in South Dakota,” Van Camp said. South Dakota Beef Breeds Council received $10,000 from the Value-Added Ag Subfund in 2002 to conduct the feasibility study.

The study, commissioned by the SDBBC, identified sufficient need for a South Dakota bull performance testing station. The bull testing station will generate measurements for select breeding stock, such as average daily gain and carcass performance data for registered cattle. More than 30 states currently employ this type of station.

Bergner Yeaton Farms of Chamberlain, SD will host the enrolled bulls. The testing is limited to 120 bulls and will begin on Nov. 30, 2004. All bulls must be born and raised in South Dakota and owned by South Dakota residents. “The bull test station will not only feature carcass qualities and rate of gain testing, but will set a gold standard for industry health requirements,” said Roger Gerdes, chairperson for the Bull Test Committee of the SDBBC.

“The station will provide bull buyers with more complete information which could significantly enhance the value of our South Dakota registered bulls,” Van Camp said.

At the conclusion of the testing period, a special bull sale will be held. “This sale is an opportunity for buyers to compare the different breeds and their test performances and bring home those seed stock qualities to their cattle production,” said Gerdes.

The Value-Added Agriculture Subfund was created in 1999 to provide financial assistance for feasibility and marketing studies for prospective South Dakota value-added ag businesses. Since its inception, the Value-Added Ag Subfund has provided more than $2.5 million in assistance to 46 projects.

For more information regarding enrollment guidelines contact SD Beef Breeds Council at 605-869-2257 or go to the SDBBC Link at www.frontierpartners.net. Enrollment applications will be accepted through Monday, Nov. 8, 2004. Information on the Value-Added Ag Subfund can be found at www.sdgreatprofits.com/finance/agsubfund.htm.