S.D. Cattlemen’s Foundation Receives Friend of the Beef Industry Award

The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation was honored recently as the 2024 recipient of the South Dakota State University Friend of the Beef Industry award for its contributions to the South Dakota beef industry.

"The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation is humbled and honored to receive the Friend of the Beef Industry award," said Ryan Eichler, president of South Dakota Cattlemen's Foundation. “The foundation's mission is to facilitate the generosity of the South Dakota beef industry and ensure its long-term viability. We're proud to accept this honor on behalf of South Dakota beef producers who work tirelessly to provide the world with the most powerful protein on the planet.” 

A nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the beef cattle industry in South Dakota, the foundation seeks to educate consumers, build trust, educate industry leaders and facilitate charitable giving. The foundation also has donated more than $100,000 for scholarships to South Dakota students who are enrolled at SDSU and other schools who are interested in developing their communities and the South Dakota beef industry. 

In addition, the organization provides an opportunity for youth to learn about the science and economics of finishing cattle by participating in a calf-finishing program called the Fed Cattle Challenge. 

“The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation has had a tremendous impact on the beef industry in our state,” said Joseph Cassady, South Dakota Corn Endowed Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. “The organization’s commitment to advocacy, education and community service continues to provide support for one of the most important meat commodity groups in our state and also has helped provide nutritious meals for hundreds of thousands of South Dakotans in need. It is a privilege to publicly commend and thank the foundation for its continued service.” 

The foundation has raised donations totaling more than $2.7 million in the past 11 years through its “Prime Time Gala” that has enabled the organization to provide 1,543,890 pounds of beef to Feeding South Dakota for distribution to food pantries. This year, the foundation has donated more than $300,000 that is providing a year’s supply (164,000 pounds) of beef to Feeding South Dakota.

“Whether it's helping to provide beef to Feeding South Dakota to distribute to food pantries, providing scholarships and educational opportunities to future industry leaders or funding research to prove beef's critical role in a healthy diet, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation is committed to supporting the state's beef industry for generations to come," Eichler added.

The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation was recognized on the field during the 2024 South Dakota State University Beef Bowl football game on Sept. 14.