SDEBA Spring 2001 Event Highlights

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On January 19, 2001, the South Dakota Elk Breeders Association held it's second elk feed for the South Dakota Legislators at the state capital in Pierre. Elk French dips were served to over 400 people by the SDEBA members. Everyone enjoyed the meal and we received many positive comments from the legislators.

During the Black Hills Stock Show from January 26 thru February 4, 2001, the SDEBA had a booth set up to promote the elk industry. The booth included a drawing for a "Elk Meat Bundle" giveaway. They also participated in the "Taste of South Dakota" event which is a sampler area set up for the SD producers including pork, beef, dairy, bison, ostrich, wheat, and this year ELK. We were very impressed with the comments and how many of the 400 plus people came thru a second time to let us know they liked the elk best.

The SDEBA held its first annual Premier Elk Auction on February 9, 2001, in Brookings, SD at the South Dakota State University. There were 40 lots consigned including donations of two straws of King semen from Groen Elk Farm and two straws of Brandon semen from Glen & Kay Zebarth. Despite the blizzard contitions, over 120 people attended. To promote the elk industry and make students at SDSU aware of elk as an alternative farming method, the SDEBA sponsored a scholarship essay contest for the ag students. Winners of the $250.00 scholarships were Christopher Kopp and Brian Fite. The SDEBA also held a drawing for a bull calf the all new members joining since November 2000. The winner of the bull calf was Randy and Janelle Barondeau. After the live animal auction, there was a Semen Donation Sale held with proceeds going to the South Dakota Committee to Eradicate. Semen from Smokin Ash, Stalwart, Dakota Pride, Chino, Ludwig, A.S.S. Kicker, Prince of Pride, Durango, Max-A-Million and Smokin Torch were auctioned off with the proceeds going to breeders in South Dakota that chose to depopulate there herds because of exposure to CWD. The South Dakota Elk Breeders Association and the South Dakota Committee to Eradicate would like to thank all the participants who helped make these sales a success.