IROQUOIS — Iroquois School District proudly implemented the “Build Your Base”- Beef in the Classroom Experience during the 2024–2025 school year through classroom lessons, hands-on cooking labs, and an engaging student-led outreach event.

Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) teacher Mrs. Vicki Dant applied for and received the program grant through Beef Logic Inc. and the South Dakota CattleWomen, enabling a wide range of beef-focused nutrition education opportunities for students in grades 6–12.

The Build Your Base program is a comprehensive sports nutrition and youth development initiative that uses beef as its premier protein. The program — originally developed in collaboration with the South Dakota Beef Industry Council, Sanford Health, and the Sanford Sports Science Institute — equips students, athletes, and families with beef-based meal strategies, science-backed nutrition information, and skill-building cooking experiences. 

Since its 2018 inception, this S.D. program has grown nationally and reaches over 13 million athletes and families on a yearly basis, and has since developed relationships with multiple stakeholders and partners in support of its growth. It is currently under the direction of Beef Logic Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit based here in South Dakota.

“We knew we needed to develop the capability to handle the growth of this program, and the best way to do that was to place it inside a nonprofit where we could further develop stakeholder partnerships and dollars to increase that support. The partnership with the SD Cattlewomen does just that, and we are so grateful for their support,” states Suzy Geppert, Beef Logic Executive Director. “This program provides opportunities for other like-minded organizations to be a part of its success and keep its roots based right here in South Dakota, and that is something we are extremely proud of. We want to continue to support both our beef farmers and ranchers and the communities they call home.”

At Iroquois, students across multiple grade levels participated in beef-focused cooking labs. The high school Culinary class explored stir-fry and beef-and-broccoli recipes while learning about beef cuts and preparation methods. Nutrition & Wellness students created fajitas, homemade beef ravioli, and a stir fry while comparing beef’s nutritional benefits to other proteins. Eighth graders made tacos, and sixth-grade FACS students experimented with 80% vs. 94% lean ground beef while preparing meatballs.

“Our students not only improved their cooking skills — they really got to understand why beef is such a powerful protein option,” said Mrs. Vicki Dant. “They compared lean percentages, learned about beef’s nutrients, and discussed how athletes fuel properly. This program brought real-life health and nutrition concepts to our classrooms in a delicious, engaging way.”

The Build Your Base experience also extended beyond the classroom. As part of their community outreach effort, sixth-grade students created and presented informative slide shows about beef to all elementary classrooms in Iroquois. Younger students received coloring sheets and, during Field Day, were gifted beef jerky snacks to keep them fueled and energized.

According to Holly Swee, Director of Nutrition for Beef Logic Inc., “The Build Your Base program provides teachers with the opportunity to share beef-focused culinary science education and nutrition information with students who are at an age where lifelong skills and nutritional habits are being formed. The goal is to help them learn where beef comes from, how to prepare it, and the nutritional value it provides.”

Mrs. Dant added, “I’ve seen real changes — not just in student knowledge, but in their habits. Even as a mom, I’ve noticed my own sixth-grade athlete making better food choices because of this program. It’s been impactful.”

 The Iroquois School District is grateful for the opportunity to have received and participate in the “Build Your Base” — Beef Experience in the Classroom educational grant and extends thanks to the Beef Logic Inc. and the South Dakota CattleWomen for providing opportunity to extend the the Build Your Base program components further into the community by empowering students with nutrition knowledge, culinary confidence, and leadership skills.