In a win-win moment for South Dakota beef ranchers and healthcare workers, both of whom have endured hardship this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the South Dakota Beef Industry Council is distributing more than $50,000 worth of beef certificates and products to health systems throughout the state. Monument Health, the largest health system in western SD, is matching the gift to its employees dollar-for dollar.
The campaign, entitled “Believe in the Magic of Beef,” is providing Beef Bucks from the South Dakota Cattlewomen and beef jerky snacks to 45 hospitals in the state. Gary Deering, SDARL VIII graduate and a Director of the SD Beef Industry Council, stated, “It’s a big community involvement with the beef checkoff and so it’s just kind of a way to give back, and plus promote beef at the same time.”
Todd Mortenson, SDARL Board Chairman and Class VI graduate, commented, “People are worried about what tomorrow brings. We feel (this will) help alleviate some of that, as far as the community angst that is out there.”
