12/10/2008 8:21:00 AM South Dakota Cattlemen's celebrate 60 years in Huron
Kirk Olson (left) of Huron, S.D. was given the Top Hand Award for his efforts in helping boost membership for the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association. With him is the new SD Cattlemen’s President Todd Mortenson.
By Codi Vallery
The South Dakota Cattlemen's Association met for their annual convention and Trade Show Dec. 2-4 in Huron, S.D.
Now in their 60th year the cattle producer association boasts over 1,000 members. Many of them were in Huron for the two-day event to listen to national speakers and conduct annual business.
Speaking at the convention was Dr. Joe Schwarz of the McGill University Office of for Science and Society. He told those in attendance that there is a hunger for scientific information by the public, but it is often emotions that override knowledge.
"There is such a hunger out there for scientific information that if it is not given to them they are going to listen to the person with the biggest soapbox," said Schwarz.
Those with the largest soapbox are often the anti-agriculture activist groups, such as PETA and the Humane Society of the U.S.
Schwarz went on to say that people are simply listening to the wrong "experts". He warned cattle producers that emotions instead of scientific knowledge are conducting the business of the U.S. He encouraged producers to be aware, and to be informed.
Schwarz gave numerous examples demystifying the myths behind many agricultural products - giving data that showed beef had less compounds within it than other substances we come in contact with or are naturally produced every day.
Many of the "bad" things found in agricultural products are present in parts per trillion.
"Parts per trillion is not a significant number that will have an impact," said Schwarz.
And beef brisket has actually been found to have Oleic Acid present in it. Oleic Acid is found in Olive Oil and is healthy if consumed in moderation.
Moderation is the key according to Schwarz who says everything comes down to weighing the risks vs. the benefits. Beef he added is not a risk.
The 2009 South Dakota Cattlemen's Convention will be held in Sioux Falls Dec. 2-3 at the Ramkota.
