The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) recently announced changes to the rules administering the South Dakota Certified Enrolled Cattle™ program. These changes reflect an effort to strengthen the program while providing greater flexibility for producers.

Bryce Baker, livestock development specialist with the SDDA, said the new rules are the result of the department’s continued effort to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. “Changes to the enrollment process and feed requirements will allow greater opportunities within the program without sacrificing the high standards people have grown to expect,” Baker said. “We will continue to look at opportunities for program development.”

The recent rule changes seek to strengthen the South Dakota Certified Enrolled Cattle program by improving accessibility, while maintaining the program’s integrity. The SDDA will continue to work with the beef industry and cattle producers to help meet their source and age verification needs.

For more details on the specific changes, visit www.sdcec.sd.gov, follow the link to Program News, and click on South Dakota Certified Enrolled Cattle™ Producer Rule Change Letter, or find the letter directly here. Contact the South Dakota Department of Agriculture at 1-800-228-5254 or 605-773-5436 with any questions.