The Minnesota Beef Research and Promotion Council (MBC) elected Tom Olson as new chairperson to serve on the board. Olson previously sat on the board as the promotion committee chair and represents Districts 2 & 3 in North Central and Northeast counties.
The MBC administers the beef checkoff program on behalf of beef farmers and ranchers in Minnesota. The checkoff focuses on conducting research, education and promotion programs about beef and beef products.
Tom Olson, along with his wife, Erin, and son, Levi, work on their operation in William, near the Canadian border. Olson is a third-generation rancher and farmer on their century farm where cattle have long been a part of it.
"Tom's positive attitude and dedication to improving the beef industry in Minnesota make him an ideal chairman for our Board of Directors," said Kelly Schmidt, Minnesota Beef Council CEO. "Tom's leadership is pivotal in accomplishing our goal of increasing demand for beef."
Tom is the president of Northwestern Stockmen's Association and is also a member of both the Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association (MSCA) and National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA).
Of these organizations, Tom noted, "I think it is very important to support those who are fighting the battles for us [in the beef industry]. We need to stick together so our voice is heard."
In addition, Tom is a member of the Sustainable Farming Association. He added, "It is important to not only protect our resources but do what we can to improve them through better soil management. In a sense, that is what the checkoff is doing to improve demand for beef."
As board chair, Olson is responsible for providing oversight, input, and approval of checkoff-funded projects administered through the MBC.
The entire MBC Board consists of 16 directors. New members, including elected officials, started their term in July.
Categories: Minnesota, Education, Livestock, Beef Cattle