Beef Bucks, Inc. Raises Money Through Golf Tournament, Auction

I’ve long been a supporter of the Beef Bucks Program. It’s handy and exciting to give or receive the certificates or VISA cards, which can be used to purchase beef at retail or in restaurants anywhere that beef products are sold. Since the program’s inception in DeSmet, SD, in 1997, Beef Bucks, Inc. has helped to move tens of thousands of pounds beef across the country, reaching consumers in more than 40 states. This program is truly a great way to educate consumers, promote beef and, as their website states, “All with a goal of offering beef to anyone, anywhere, without the need of refrigeration.”

On Aug. 13, Beef Bucks, Inc. hosted its eighth annual golf tournament and auction in Brandon, SD, and I had a brief visit with Executive Secretary Nancy Montross about the day’s event and how the money raised from the golf tournament will help boost the program throughout the next year.

“The receipts from this event are used for maintaining the Beef Bucks program and scholarship fund,” says Nancy, who helped to establish this program with her husband, Bob. “Each year the program offers a $1,000 scholarship to any young person who is the son or daughter of anyone who is actively involved in the South Dakota beef cattle industry.”

Community support came from far and wide for the annual golf outing this year, with auction items offered by the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, John Deere Company, South Dakota State University, and various cattlemen’s groups and beef producers. BEEF magazine is also a long-time sponsor. Nancy says what she finds most interesting about the annual event are the folks who participate.

“Although the event is put on by the Beef Bucks team, all of whom are involved in the beef cattle industry, the folks who participate in this event come from all walks of life,” Nancy says. “In attendance, we had farmers, ranchers, bankers, lawyers, insurance salesmen, restaurant owners, animal health companies, feed and seed dealers, medical personnel and educators. It was a great turnout.”

Next year’s tournament is set for Aug. 19, again at the Brandon, SD, Municipal Golf Course (Brandon is located near Sioux Falls). No matter what the occasion, Montross encourages everyone to use Beef Bucks when purchasing beef. For more information on the program and how to acquire these certificates or VISA cards, check out www.beefbucks.org. By the way, Bob and Nancy Montross were past winners of BEEF's Trailblazer Award. Read their story here.