The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the appointment of 40 new members to serve on the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. Members will serve three-year terms beginning in February 2023 and ending February 2026.
Ben Peterson, a rancher from Judith Gap was appointed to fill one of Montana’s three seats on the board. Members must be beef producers or importers of beef and beef products nominated by certified producer organizations.
In addition to running EL Peterson Ranch, Peterson also serves on the Montana Farmers Union and Montana Premium Processing Cooperative boards.
“Ben Peterson will be a strong addition to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. His experience as Montana cattle rancher, feeder and direct-to-market beef businessman is what is needed on this board. He also will bring his experience as a MFU board member and legacy Farmers Union member to each and every meeting he attends. The Montana cattle producers will be well represented by Ben,” Montana Farmers Union President Walter Schweitzer said.
Peterson will fill the seat previously held by Lynda Grande of Columbus, who served on the board for six years. The two other members from Montana serving on the board are Turk Stovall of Billings and Katie Cooper of Willow Creek. Both Stovall’s and Cooper’s terms expire in 2024.
In North Dakota, Mary Graner of Huff was appointed to her second term on the board. She is joined by Raymond Erbele of Streeter in representing North Dakota cattle producers.
A new addition to the CBB from South Dakotas as Larry Stomprud of Mud Butte was appointed the board, filling the seat previously held by Cory Eich. Also from South Dakota on the board are Bill Slovek of Philip, Laurie Johnson from South Shore and VeaBea Thomas of Harrold, South Dakota.
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MFU/USDA
