South Dakota Agricultural Foundation Supports Beef Research
Cattlemen’s Foundation Board Member Jared Knock accepts the grant from the Ag Foundation Board
July 7, 2025
The South Dakota Agricultural Foundation is investing in a research project spearheaded by the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation to document the benefits of a meat-centric diet with beef as the predominant meat source. The Ag Foundation has made a $20,000 grant to support the research project.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 97.6 million people aged 18 years or older have prediabetes. This is 38% of the adult population in the United States. In addition, a recent report from the Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice shows that one in three adolescents has prediabetes.
While some health organizations encourage plant-based diets with less red meat and beef, meat-centric diets such as the “carnivore-style” diet are gaining popularity. Many people have found beef-focused, high animal-based food diets, which are lower in carbohydrates and plant foods, have meaningful health benefits. Emerging evidence suggests better mental clarity and reduced inflammation may result from adopting a meat-centric diet.
This study aims to provide quality evidence on the benefits of a meat-centric diet for people with Metabolic Syndrome (a group of risk factors that can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and stroke). Researchers will monitor key health markers, including cholesterol, blood sugar, and body weight. Researchers hypothesize improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and better overall health. Participants are also hypothesized to report better mood and quality of life, with no serious side effects from the diet.
“Metabolic disorders are one of the most critical health challenges in the history of the United States. Understanding the effects of a beef centric diet and its role as an intervention is critical. High protein and low carbohydrate diets have continued to show promise in improving health and well-being,” said Ryan Eichler, President of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation. “This timely research will serve as a landmark study and hopefully spur further investigation. The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation is proud to partner with the South Dakota Ag Foundation in supporting research in the area of human nutrition and using high quality beef we produce here at home as the potential solution to a problem plaguing society.”
“The Ag Foundation is dedicated to helping enrich agriculture for the next generation," said Kyle Holt, CEO of the South Dakota Ag Foundation. "We're excited to support the Cattlemen's Foundation in this important project to highlight the benefits of protein-based diets."