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SDSGA questions State Brand BoardSouth Dakota South Dakota Stockgrowers Association questions the fact that the State Brand Board, which is comprised of 5 members, does not have fair representation of the Stockgrowers. Buffalo, S.D., rancher and SDSGA President, Larry Nelson said "Given the history of the Stockgrowers it would be appropriate to have more than one member who pays dues to the SD Stockgrowers. I believe the viewpoint of the Stockgrowers deserves stronger representation on this board." The history of brand inspection is forever tied to the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association which goes back to the late 1800s when several producers decided to form an organization to utilize the brand as ownership recognition and as a theft deterrent. They called this organization the Black Hill Stockgrowers Association, later changed to the Western South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and finally evolved into the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association. Since that time the Stockgrowers Association has either provided the brand inspection service or contracted with the State Brand Board to provide it, until July 1, 2008 when the State of South Dakota declined the Stockgrowers bid for the contract. The final bid from the Stockgrowers was to conduct the entire inspection program for the amount of the inspection fee which was 80 cents per head. Stockgrowers offered that bid with the understanding that they would stand the loss or take the gain. Past President Rick Fox stated "The Brand Board should be elected as representatives from districts that are geographically balanced within the Brand Inspection Area, instead of being appointed by the Executive branch of state government." Fox continued "If the producers had a voice in the makeup of the SD State Brand Board, we would have an improved balance of producer needs and concerns." Rick said "It is obvious the present administration is not willing to support the producers in the brand area who are affiliated with the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association. "He further stated "we need to make changes, legislatively and administratively in order to be recognized. 12/22/08 Date: 12/17/08 Advertisement
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