For her home state, she adds, “We're fortunate to have a strong meat research program at SDSU. They've earned national recognition, and the SDBIC will continue to look at ways to work closely with them.”

Working Together

For Adrian, a personal career highlight is the people — those she calls the “thinkers and doers” — she had the opportunity to work with.

“I'm proudest of the people from South Dakota. We've had many get involved and hold leadership positions on a national level. They're committed to trying to figure out what's best for the industry,” she says.

Her advice to her successor and others in beef council leadership positions is to “work with everybody.” She says, “Even people who might not like the program [the checkoff] bring good ideas.”

Additionally, Adrian encourages everyone in the beef industry to take time to volunteer. She concludes, “I've had a long history with the beef council, and it's the volunteers who really make a difference. People have to volunteer and be involved, or we won't survive.”

Editor's note: First up in Adrian's retirement is a 50th wedding anniversary celebration with husband Bob. Then she's looking forward to simply spending time on the ranch, enjoying her grandchildren, and volunteering at her local library and museum.

Meanwhile, Barry Jennings, Ft. Pierre, SD, succeeds Adrian as SDBIC executive director. He's active in his family's commercial cow-calf operation and served four years as South Dakota deputy commissioner of school and public lands.

Kindra Gordon is a freelance writer and former BEEF Managing Editor based in Whitewood, SD.