INDIANAPOLIS – Brian Shuter, who began his new role as executive vice president of the Indiana Beef Cattle Association (IBCA) and the Indiana Beef Council (IBC) on June 12, has some clear goals for the association.

Saying he’s truly excited about the future of the IBCA, Shuter explained he plans to renew the focus on the organization’s members and beef producers around the state in an effort to increase membership.

“It is critical that we continue to identify individuals from around the state that will get engaged in what we do,” he said. “As a volunteer board and committee driven organization with a limited staff, those volunteers are how we can pull off bigger and better events and promotions as we move forward.

“When we go to the state house or to (Washington) DC, those representatives will listen more to a producer than they will me as an association employee.”

The IBCA recently completed a producer survey and has developed a Strategic Plan for the association based on the results of the survey, Shuter said. Those surveyed mentioned association membership and beef producers in general getting older. They also mentioned a growing need for advocacy and consumer education, and government regulations and their effects on the industry, he said.

The association will be focusing on four strategies under the new plan:

- Enhance the image of IBCA and foster producer engagement and education services to serve membership and the beef industry of Indiana.

- Promote and capitalize on the advantages of beef and veal while growing consumer trust, education and awareness;

- Improve the business and political climate for beef through collaboration and advocacy;

- Safeguard and leverage organization infrastructure while cultivating resource and leadership development.

Shuter previously worked for the IBCA from 2001 through 2013 in various roles. His title for the last four to five years was producer communications manager. Since 2014, he has served as Hoosier Beef Congress coordinator.

He has a bachelor’s degree in animal agribusiness and a master’s in animal science from Purdue University. Shuter is co-owner of Shuter Sunset Farms in Frankton, Ind., and of Smith Family Farms Custom Meats in Pendleton, Ind.

Shuter’s responsibilities as executive vice president include overseeing all activities of the IBCA and the IBC. He represents the beef and veal industries with legislators at the state and federal level, and at membership or industry events around the state. He manages the association staff and oversees events such as the state convention and the Cattlemen’s Club Ribeye Stand at the Indiana State Fair.

The executive position with IBCA was his dream job back in the early 2000s, he recalled. “When I started with the IBCA back in 2001, Dr. Ron Lemenager (at Purdue University) and Phil Anderson (the IBCA executive at the time) had a great relationship and seemed to be rolling out all different kinds of ideas on how to help producers and build a better beef business in Indiana. Working with those guys helped open my eyes and light the fire in me about the opportunities within the industry.”

Even though his plans changed over the years, Shuter said he maintained his passion for the industry and desire to help producers across the state be successful.

“I stayed connected to the Indiana producers through roles as the superintendent of the Cattle Barn at the Indiana State Fair and by helping to coordinate the Hoosier Beef Congress,” he said. “When Joe Moore retired and the position opened back up, the timing felt right for me to apply for the position and get re-connected and I am excited about the opportunity to serve the membership and am really excited about the future here at IBCA.”