Search on for “Faces of Farming and Ranching”

Posted: 8/7/2012

South Dakota Beef Industry Council News Release       
For Immediate Release
For more information contact:
Ron Frederick, Executive Director
605-224-4722   *   rfrederick@sdbeef.org
Holly Swee, RD, LN, Director of Nutrition & Consumer Information
605-957-5283; hswee@sdbeef.org

 

PIERRE – (August 2, 2012) A South Dakota beef producer could be part of a movement to bring more farmers and ranchers together to answer people’s questions about how their food is grown and raised. A national agricultural organization is looking for the “Faces of Farming and Ranching” to help put a real face on agriculture, and the executive director of the South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) is encouraging state beef producers to consider applying to the program.

            “Faces of Farming and Ranching” is a program of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), and SDBIC’s Ron Frederick says South Dakota would have excellent candidates to help fill the role. “The number of consumers who understand how their food is grown diminishes with each passing generation,” said Frederick. “South Dakota has farmers and ranchers who could be excellent ambassadors for our industry.”

USFRA is looking for standout farmers and ranchers who are proud of what they do, eager to share their stories of continuous improvement with others and who are actively involved today in sharing those stories. The organization announced it is looking for farmers and ranchers who raise a variety of foods differently, at differing scale and in all areas of the country are encouraged to apply as it is important to show American agriculture and all of its diversity.

“Many voices are leading conversations about food – and often leaving the people who grow and raise our food out,” said Bob Stallman, chairman of USFRA and president of the American Farm Bureau.  “We need to find the best people to be part of these conversations and represent the real farmers and ranchers of America.”

Entries will be accepted through September 8, 2012 at www.FoodDialogues.com. Ten to 15 finalists will be announced at the November 2012 Food Dialogues event in New York City. This national announcement will open a public online voting period where visitors can vote for their favorite candidates. Those votes will be factored into the decision to determine “The Faces of Farming and Ranching.”

Winners will be announced in early January 2013 based on votes and the recommendation of a panel of judges.

Those winners will serve in multiple high-visibility roles on behalf of USFRA, participating in a number of activities including national media interviews, advertising and public appearances. For their time, they will receive a $10,000 stipend as well as a $5,000 donation to their preferred agriculture-related or local charity in their name (charities must be pre-approved by USFRA). They’ll also receive professional speaker/media training.

“We want America to see the real faces of farming and ranching,” said Stallman. “This is an excellent way for those within agriculture to step up and showcase to the country what these hard-working farmers and ranchers are really all about.” 

Entrants will be required to submit an online application and include a home video of less than three minutes that describes themselves and their farm or ranch. More details are available at www.FoodDialogues.com.

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The SDBIC collects and administers the $1 beef checkoff on cattle sold in South Dakota. Checkoff dollars are utilized strictly for promotion, education or research programs. Fifty cents of every dollar is directed to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board for programs on the national level. The SDBIC retains 50 cents, which is invested in additional national programs or in-state programs. 

The SDBIC is comprised of three representatives from eight agricultural organizations:  SD Beef Breeds Council, SD Cattlemen’s Association, SD Cattlemen’s Auxiliary, SD CattleWomen, SD Farm Bureau, SD Farmers Union, SD Livestock Auction Market Association and SD Stockgrowers Association.

 

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