PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Beef Industry Council, in collaboration with ag storytellers Amanda Radke and Michelle Weber, is proud to announce the release of their new children’s book, “The Journal of Rowdy the Cow Kid”. This book is designed to engage young readers in the day-to-day life of a farm or ranch kid named Rowdy, who is involved in raising high-quality beef throughout the seasons.
Amanda Radke, one of the authors, shares her enthusiasm for the project, noting that “Rowdy will guide readers through a year on the beef cattle farm and ranch. From calving and grazing to winter feeding, auctions, and county fairs, Weber’s illustrations vividly bring these stories to life. Our aim is for readers to understand the vital role producers play as stewards of the land and livestock.”
Released at the same time as National Agriculture Month, the book serves as an educational tool, showing the hard work and community spirit of farmers and ranchers.
The South Dakota Beef Industry Council is set to promote “The Journal of Rowdy the Cow Kid” at various events, notably Ag Day at the Washington Pavilion on March 22 – 23, 2024, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The South Dakota Junior Beef Ambassadors will be highlighting the book in local schools, aiming to donate and read it to elementary classes during National Ag Week, March 17-23, 2024.
Riley Zoss-Littau, Coordinator for the South Dakota Junior Beef Ambassador Program, sees the book as an excellent resource for the Ambassadors. “’Rowdy the Cow Kid’ mirrors the everyday experiences of our Junior Beef Ambassadors as they and their families nurture the land and livestock. It presents a wonderful chance for Ambassadors to share their life stories while advocating for beef within their communities.”
This initiative underscores the commitment of the South Dakota Beef Industry Council and its partners to educate the younger generation about the importance of agriculture and beef production in a fun and relatable way.
