Stockgrowers elect directors, set policy at Rapid City convention

By Journal staff | Friday, September 21, 2007

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The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association honored four brand inspectors, elected new directors and approved several policy resolutions during its annual convention, held Sept. 6 and 7 in Rapid City.

The Stockgrowers Association administers the state's brand-inspection program and honored brand inspectors Melvin Anderson, Spearfish; Tucker Hudson, Howes; Tony Holt, Ralph; and Doug Pederson, Winner.

The association elected new directors Randy Volmer of Wasta, District 3; Gary Deering, Hereford, District 8; and Craig Shaver, Sturgis, District 8. Each will serve a five-year term.

Members elected Larry Nelson of Buffalo to serve as president and Kenny Fox, Belvidere, as vice president, both for a two-year term.

Members also approved new policy resolutions during the convention.

* The Wildlife Committee resolution requested a large-predator management plan for the protection of domestic livestock.

* Three resolutions from the Animal Identification Committee were passed, including one that information collected under the National Animal Identification System be considered intellectual property; one supporting a National Bio-Defense Agro-Defense Facility to be built out of proximity of farms and ranches, and one opposing government action funding or mandating premise registration and participation in an animal ID system.

* The Federal Lands Committee resolution supports Alternative Three of the National Grasslands Plan Amendment for prairie dog control.

* The Education, Taxation and Legislation Committee resolution opposes certain areas being considered for the United Nations World Heritage sites because of a loss of U.S. and state sovereignty.

* The Marketing Committee resolutions oppose passage of the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act and support several checkoff changes, including a producer referendum, and using checkoff money to promote U.S. and South Dakota born, raised and slaughtered beef products.