PIERRE, S.D. (AP)--Tuned-up rules for the South Dakota Certified Beef Program were outlined July 12 at a public hearing in the state Capitol, and officials hope the effort begins to bear fruit by year's end.

They acknowledge that it may take awhile for the program to catch on, but they believe it will prove to be a strong success in future years.

The branded-beef initiative was created at the urging of Gov. Mike Rounds to boost the finances of state farmers and ranchers, feedlot operators and meat processing plants. It is intended to let beef buyers and consumers know that the meat they purchase was produced under strict and closely monitored guidelines.

Rather than market cattle as a common commodity, the program is designed to increase the animals' value by fetching premium prices. Officials say tenderness, flavor and consistent quality will be hallmarks of the beef from cattle raised under the standards.

Various businesses and organizations have promoted high-quality beef over the years, but state officials believe the Certified Beef Program marks the first time a government has put its stamp of approval on beef products.

"To our knowledge, it's the only government-certified program of its kind in the world," said Jason Glodt, a top-level member of Rounds' staff.

The state seal for certified beef is an official trademark, featuring an image of Mount Rushmore National Memorial and declaring "The World's Best Beef."

Processors participating in the program will be licensed and inspected by the state to ensure quality of the beef that is to be marketed.

Noting that no one showed up July 12 for public comments on the rules, Glodt said the absence of people at the meeting is "a show of support for the program."

State officials have worked closely with South Dakota's agriculture and meatpacking sectors in forging the proposed rules, he said.

Emergency rules for the program were adopted in May, and the permanent rules are expected to be in place by Oct. 1. The public comment period on the revised rules will end July 22, and some changes may yet be made.

Jafar Karim, state economic development director, said two meat plants are nearly ready for licensing. There are about 80 businesses that process meat in South Dakota, and a dozen or so could be licensed to handle certified beef by year's end, he said.

"There will be limited quantities of meat at first, but it's a start," Karim said.

A state marketing campaign is being devised for the South Dakota Certified Beef Program to interest and educate farmers, processors and consumers on the merits of the effort, he said.

"We want to show value and demonstrate demand," Karim said.

Four meat processors took part last month in the first round of training, and more sessions are planned, he said.

Eight cattle producers have met all the qualifications to be licensed in the program so far and several more are close, said Eric Iversen, livestock development and marketing specialist in the state Agriculture Department. He said more than 200 cattle producers have requested information about the branded-beef program.

Not all farmers and ranchers may be willing to jump through the hoops necessary to become licensed, said George Williams, deputy agriculture secretary.

He said cattle will be tracked electronically from birth through slaughter to ensure all requirements of the program are met, allowing meat from those animals to be stamped with the state seal of approval. Only cattle born in South Dakota, raised under the guidelines and slaughtered in the state will qualify, Williams stressed.

"We're setting the hurdle awfully high, but it is a tool for those that are taking those extra steps."

As proposed July 12, the rules would require beef producers to pay a $100 annual licensing fee and 50 cents for each calf enrolled in the program. However, the initial licensing fee will be waived for farmers and ranchers who qualify before Oct. 1.

There will be no initial licensing fee on processors. They will pay $150 for the second year and a $300 licensing fee in future years.

The records of 10 percent of cattle producers will be randomly audited each year, and all processors will be audited annually. In addition, the rules allow for unannounced inspections of producers and processors to ensure they are following all required standards.

Officials hope the Certified Beef Program will result in many more cattle being raised to slaughter weights in South Dakota, providing extra income for those in the cattle business.

About 1.8 million head of cattle are born each year in South Dakota, but only 400,000 of them are raised in the state. The bulk of those cattle are shipped to feedlots in other states.

Date: 7/20/05