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.

“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.

Source: All American Patriots