Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) recently announced the addition of Sydnee Gerken to the staff team in Oklahoma City.

Gerken will serve as the director of operations for Oklahoma Prairie Beef Solutions, an entity of the OCA.

Oklahoma Prairie Beef Solutions (OPBS) was created for the Oklahoma cattle producer by Oklahoma cattle producers with the purpose to reward a premium to cattlemen and women who choose to sell their cull cows into this program.

The ground beef product willbe sold in Oklahoma retails stores around the state.

“We are excited to have Sydnee onboard to lead the efforts of Oklahoma Prairie Beef Solutions,” said Michael Kelsey, OCA executive vice president. “Sydnee’s leadership experience, passion for the beef industry and tremendous work ethic is just what this new strategy needs to move forward.”

Gerken graduated from Oklahoma State University this past December. She grew up on her family’s Angus cattle ranch near Cashion and attended Kingfisher High School.

She is the co-owner and operator of G3 Livestock Enterprises in partnership with her sisters.

Gerken’s knowledge of livestock and work ethic are evident by the honors and positions she has earned during her college

A few of these include Oklahoma State University 2020 world champion horse judging team and 2019 national champion livestock judging team.

Gerken served as chairman of the National Junior Angus Association Board of Directors in 2018-19 and as president of the Oklahoma Junior Cattlemen’s Association Board of Directors in 2015-2016.

“Oklahoma Prairie Beef Solutions, led by a dedicated board of managers and fully endorsed by the OCA Board of Directors, is set to move forward with providing OCA members and Oklahoma beef consumers a direct relationship through retail ground beef marketing. We have an aggressive strategy to be fully operational by the summer grilling season of 2021,” said Kelsey.

Gerken said she views this opportunity as a way to give back.

“Growing up in this community has given me so many opportunities,” said Gerken. “I am excited now to give back some of those opportunities. As a young cattle producer, I have always admired the dedicated work of the OCA staff. Being able to work for Oklahoma cattlemen and women to proudly feature our “home” grown beef, is a dream come true.”

According to Gerken, OPBS allows Oklahoma cattle producers to showcase their product proudly.

“In a time where the consumer is more curious than ever where their food comes from, it opens many doors to connect on a more personal level and inform the public about the world’s best protein,” she said.

“My hope is to help our consumers feel great about the safe, wholesome, nutritious and, best of all, homegrown ground beef they are bringing home to their families.”