Comment from Rick Fox, South Dakota Stockgrowers Association

October 10, 2006 Docket No. APHIS-2006-0026 Regulatory Analysis and Development PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8 4700 River Road Unit 118 Riverdale, MD 20737-1238 Sent Via Federal eRulemaking Portal Re: South Dakota Stockgrowers Association Comments to Docket No. APHIS-2006-0026, Proposed Rule: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal- Risk Regions, Identification of Ruminants and Processing and Importation of Commodities Dear Administrator: Background: The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association appreciates the opportunity to comment on Proposed Rule: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal-Risk Regions, Identification of Ruminants and Processing and Importation of Commodities. The largest and oldest cattle organization in the state, the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association is committed to representing the needs of individual cattle producers in regard to property rights, animal health, trade, marketing and environmental issues. Our focus is profitability for the individual rancher. Our 1,750+ members are primarily cow-calf producers operating family ranches. Comments: The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association respectfully submits the following comments in regard to the proposed rule: The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association endorses the comments submitted by our national affiliate, R-CALF USA, and strongly encourages USDA to carry out the suggestions of R-CALF USA. Thank you, Rick Fox President South Dakota Stockgrowers Association 605-255-4614