MAPLE PLAIN, Minn. — Each year at the Minnesota Cattle Industry Convention, the Minnesota Beef Council announces the recipient of its Prime Promoter of the Year Award. This year’s convention was held December 5-6 at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
The Prime Promoter Award was established in 2017 by the Minnesota Beef Council and the Beef Checkoff Program to recognize a group or organization that demonstrates exceptional leadership in promoting beef. Recipients receive a plaque and $500 to support future beef promotion efforts. This year’s honoree is the Snake River Valley Cattlemen’s Association.
The Snake River Valley Cattlemen’s Association is a long-standing and active local affiliate dedicated to strengthening beef promotion and supporting cattle producers throughout their region. Their commitment to advancing beef education, visibility, and community engagement has made them an exemplary leader among Minnesota’s beef organizations.
The association invests significant time and resources into youth outreach – supporting 4-H and FFA members, providing educational opportunities, and hosting a junior beef show that allows young exhibitors to showcase their cattle. Additionally, they make their association’s chute and scale available for both the junior show and the local county fair, further supporting youth involvement in the beef industry.
Beyond youth programming, Snake River Valley Cattlemen’s maintains an active role in producer education. Throughout the year, they host impactful speakers who share insights on beef production and other topics important to cattle producers. Their presence at community events and their own educational meetings ensures beef remains visible, valued, and accurately represented.
Their strong social media presence amplifies key beef messages from the Minnesota Beef Council, Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association, Minnesota CattleWomen, and the Minnesota Beef Ambassador Program – expanding their reach well beyond in-person events.
“This is an organization that understands the importance of keeping beef front-of-mind year-round. Their dedication, professionalism, and passion are a tremendous asset to our state’s beef community,” said Minnesota Beef Council CEO Kelly Schmidt during the award presentation.
Representatives from the Snake River Valley Cattlemen’s Association were present at the convention to accept the award on behalf of the entire organization.
For more information on the Minnesota Beef Council, visit mnbeef.org
About the Minnesota Beef Council
The Minnesota Beef Council was established in 1969 and is funded and managed by beef farmers and ranchers. Through the Beef Checkoff Program, $1 is obtained for every head of cattle sold. The council utilizes promotion, education, and research to strengthen beef demand and improve the marketing climate of beef. To learn more about beef, visit mnbeef.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Minnesota Beef.
