For the second year, South Dakota beef producers will do their part to encourage everyone in the state to donate blood in May. The South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) is again providing 3,000 $2 Beef Certificates to those donating blood through the United Blood Services (UBS) in South Dakota.

Beth-Anne Ferley, UBS donor recruitment director, says her organization ran out of certificates 2½ weeks into the promotion last year. "It was a popular incentive and we're expecting it to be the same this year," she says.

Donors will receive a $2 Beef Certificate as long as they last. The certificates can be used to purchase beef at retailer or in restaurants. Donors will also receive information on beef's great nutritional benefits, particularly in the iron arena; as well as a recipe for Beef Stir Fry and Spinach -- a beef entrée that can be prepared in 30 minutes and help boost a donor's iron level.

"We like working with the Beef Council to educate our donors on healthy eating habits," Ferley says. "We often have women who are unable to donate blood because their iron level is too low. Beef will help build iron levels prior to and after donating blood -- for men and women." -- Joe Roybal