For more than 60 years, grassroots producer engagement has driven the demand for beef through the Federation of State Beef Councils. States voluntarily invest in the Federation to build beef demand by inspiring, unifying and supporting an effective and coordinated state and national Checkoff partnership. Ultimately, it is cattle producers from coast to coast who direct the Federation’s work, and we celebrate their dedication. These are the “Faces of the Federation.” 

Sue Link, Federation Director

Link Enterprises, Elbert, Colorado

On the high plains of eastern Colorado, Sue Link and her husband live on their ranch, own a cow-calf operation and sell grass-fed beef. In addition to managing the ranch, the Links are involved with their community, including 4-H and cattlemen’s associations. Sue is the current Elbert County Noxious Weed Advisory Board chairman and works in partnership with fellow ranchers to fight the war on weeds in a fragile ecosystem while also educating newcomers how to be good stewards of their land. Sue’s participation in the Young Cattlemen’s Conference in 2005 elevated her volunteerism within the industry and her passion continues to drive her work with the Federation of State Beef Councils. 

How does the Federation of State Beef Councils impact the beef industry?

For more than seven years I have served on the Colorado Beef Council board and as a Federation director on the Nutrition and Health Checkoff Committee. I appreciate learning about the different research projects, especially those concerning children, the lack of protein in their diets and how that's affecting them. Beef, like other animal proteins, is a complete protein that children, adolescents, and the elderly need in order to be healthy, not only physically, but cognitively as well. I’m proud that we, as producers, are helping direct funds to this research. 

The volunteer participation is truly grassroots. The Federation brings us together to focus on the common goal of building demand for beef. I'm definitely representing producers, just like myself. The producers at home often ask me what's going on at meetings. It's pretty exciting to take home all the information that we discuss, including industry challenges, authorization requests as well as the numerous positive impacts that Beef Checkoff-funded work is having on the industry. 

What are some of the benefits of investing in the Federation?
The Colorado Beef Council really benefits from the Nutrition Seminar Program. Accredited nutrition speakers talk to our dietary interns and nurse practitioners about the benefits of beef in a healthy lifestyle. Currently, we are working with the Colorado High School Sports Association. We have a renowned speaker conducting webinars for parents, students and coaches, talking specifically about the benefits of beef and the protein needed for these athletes to perform to the best of their ability. This program wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration of state beef councils and funding from the Beef Checkoff. 

Why do you think the Federation continues to be vital?
This is an exciting time to be a part of the Federation. After more than 60 years, it's clear that this is something that works and that we need to continue. I said yes to serving on the Federation because I could see that it was a way for producers to come together and make sure things are done right, that we do have a voice, that there’s accountability and that we can make positive decisions to drive demand for beef. 

We're all a bunch of independently minded people. We love what we do, and we think it’s the right thing to do. I want producers to know that there's an opportunity for them here, to encourage them to get involved, make things better and give back to the industry. I also know they'd see that the Beef Checkoff dollar really does make a difference. 

What is the most important message you’d like to share about the Federation?

The work we do isn't just for us today. It's also for our children, our grandchildren, and others in the future. My granddaughter is 13 and she absolutely loves to be horseback in the pasture with me. She loves to check cattle, count cattle and make sure we have the right number of calves. This was her first year participating in the Junior Cattlemen group and wants to come back. My hope is that she can see that the people involved in the industry are the ones who are passionate, know they can make a difference, even in challenging times. The reason I'm here doing the work with the Federation is to make sure that my granddaughter and others have a future in the industry. 

Watch the Faces of the Federation series on Cattlemen to Cattlemen here.