Pennsylvania seeks to energize beef with new Center for Beef Excellence

HARRISBURG, Pa. – A Center for Beef Excellence is being developed to support, promote and expand the beef industry in Pennsylvania
The newly formed Pennsylvania Beef Task Force board of directors unanimously approved a motion to develop the center, which will be modeled after the successful Center for Dairy Excellence.
Encouragement. In August, Gov. Edward G. Rendell appointed the task force to re-energize the state’s cattlemen, encouraging them to push for increased profits, more beef production and a stronger agricultural economy.
Like the successful dairy and fruit task forces, the group’s 39 members represent all aspects of the industry from production, education and industry.
The beef center will be a nonprofit organization based in the Pa. Department of Agriculture and it will employ the leadership from the task force’s four committees – education, government and community relations, economic development and production efficiency – to propel the industry forward.
April launch. The task force’s executive committee has set a tentative April deadline for developing the center, including the selection of a board of directors and finalizing its by-laws.
By summer, the task force will begin the search for an executive director for the center to conduct the daily business of the group.