South Dakota CertifiedTM Program

SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Feb. 1, 2013

Media Contacts: Sarah Caslin, 605.773.5436

South Dakota Certified^TM Program

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) would like to remind producers who are interested in signing up for South Dakota Certified Enrolled Cattle ^TM Program to make sure they are Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Trained before their first calf is born.

Prior to submitting an application for participation in the South Dakota Certified Enrolled Cattle^TM program, producers must first have a South Dakota BQA/Critical Management Plan certification. Please contact the South Dakota Beef Industry Council, BQA Coordinator, Tracey Walsh at 605.224.4722.

For more details please contact Sarah Caslin, Livestock Development Specialist at SDDA at 605.773.5436 or visit http://www.sdcec.sd.gov/

Agriculture is South Dakota's No. 1 industry, generating over $21 billion in annual economic activity and employing more than 122,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

- 30 -