14 NATIONAL CATTLEMEN
T H E
www.BeefUSA.org
F E D E R A T I O N
O F
STATE BEEF COUNCILS
Building beef demand by inspiring, unifying and supporting an effective state/national checkoff partnership.
Florida Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Minnesota
South Dakota
New York
Beef Month Rides Again!
While it isn’t the same month in every state, Beef Month is a popular publicity hook for many state beef councils across the country. Here is just a sampling of the ways a dozen councils chose to bring extra attention to their Beef Months in 2015: As part of the Hunger Steak Out, The Pennsylvania Beef Council worked with the Jean Bonnet Tavern, Bedford, Penn., which featured a steak salad and other entrees during the month of May. A portion of the proceeds from each meal sold went to six Bedford County food pantries. The Illinois Beef Association partnered with the local HyVee supermarket in Springfield for a sampling of the beef breakfast scramble in a mug, handing out branded HyVee and I Heart Beef mugs. The New York Beef Council conducted a Blind Taste Test for consumers during “Meat Your Beef ” tours in May, allowing consumers to sample New York Strips from animals raised in different ways, and showing that beef from all animals is healthy and nutritious. In May the South Carolina Beef Council gave out brisket sliders and beef literature at the Annual “SC Taste” for state legislators on the State House grounds, and also participated in the Annual SC Academy of Family Physicians event, giving a presentation on today’s lean beef. South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard declared May as Beef Month in that state, which was celebrated with cooking demonstrations and recipe samplings across the state. The South Dakota Beef Industry Council staff teamed with the United Blood Service with a “Pump Iron, Eat Beef ” promotion. The Michigan Beef Industry Commission partnered with the Michigan Ag Council and the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee in July to host a beef industry Pasture to Plate tour, increasing transparency and building relationships with registered dietitians, chefs and food bloggers.
The winner of Iowa’s Best Burger Contest from the Iowa Beef Industry Council was announced May 4 and promoted all month long. A Facebook trivia contest was also a great hit, significantly increasing consumer engagement with beef on social media. The Florida Beef Council successfully increased awareness for beef during May Beef Month by coordinating four television segments highlighting beef and grilling, reaching a total of 122,000 viewers in three key markets (Naples/Fort Meyers, South Carolina Jacksonville and West Palm Beach). Chef Dave Zino demonstrated three beef recipes on behalf of the New Mexico Beef Council and New Mexico Department of Agriculture on KASA FOX TV for June Beef Month, and also discussed appropriate cooking methods and provided selection tips for various beef cuts. As part of May Beef Month in Nebraska, Governor Pete Ricketts hosted a Beef Month Proclamation event and barbecue for Nebraska beef producers. The Nebraska Beef Council also partnered with a local grocery store to host a “Burger Bash” at which 1,100 hamburgers were served in two hours. At the Twin Cities Burger Battle during Nebraska May Beef Month, 20 restaurants showcased their best burgers, including the winner, Paddy Shack and its owner Jack Riebel. The Minnesota Beef Council was a major sponsor, providing beef sliders to more than 2,000 people who also enjoyed live music and local brews. The Tennessee Beef Industry Council conducted a Girl’s Grilling Event July 14 to help celebrate July Beef Month. Five millennials submitting favorite beef grilling recipes were each invited to bring five friends to a grilling class where Michigan April McKinney, author of The Outdoor Table, demonstrated how to prepare beef appetizers and GrillMaster Michael McDearman spoke on all things beef.
Iowa
New Mexico
Illinois