October marks the 50th anniversary of one of the longest running beef promotion programs in the country, October Beef Month in Alabama. And the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association’s Erin Beasley says they are celebrating with 50 years of flavor.
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From the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association:
This month marks the 50th anniversary of one of the longest running beef promotion programs in the country – October Beef Month (OBM). Governor Robert Bentley continued the traditions by signing a proclamation proclaiming that October is Beef Month in Alabama. The first OBM proclamation was signed by Governor George Wallace and the ceremony has continued through the terms of Lurleen Wallace, Albert Brewer, Fob James, Guy Hunt, Jim Folsom Jr., Don Siegelman, Bob Riley and now Robert Bentley.
“This year’s theme, ‘50 Years of Flavor’, will focus on the largest beef promotion project ever undertaken in the state”, stated Dr. Billy Powell, ACA executive vice president. Beef promotion activities will be carried out in numerous venues and utilizing different forms of media. President Woody Clark of Andalusia said “It’s appropriate that for the 50th anniversary of October Beef Month, a $50,000 TV advertising buy has been made in the states five major consumer markets.” In addition, a statewide digital advertising buy has also been purchased on al.com.
Erin Beasley, Director of Consumer Marketing, says “Beef cuts will be center stage at a variety of venues during October, including an exciting new iron chef style competition featured at the Breakin’ Bread Food Festival in downtown Birmingham in partnership with the Birmingham Originals.” Other statewide activities taking place during the month will be the screening of the movie “Farmland” at Auburn University; promotions to increase beef sales with Sysco Foodservice; the “Cowboys in the Classroom” reading program; Beef Day at the Farmer’s Market in Montgomery and celebrating the winner of the “Alabama’s Best Steak” contest with a media event and plaque presentation. All of these events are designed to advance awareness for the beef industry as well as increase demand across the state. Getting involved is as simple as enjoying an extra steak this month!
County cattlemen’s chapters are also involved in this great celebration with 25 counties scheduling at least one OBM event in their county. While our producers are enjoying record high cattle prices, we hope this large promotional effort will encourage our consumers to continue enjoying beef at home and out at restaurants.
These beef promotion programs are made possible by funds paid by cattle producers when they sell their cattle. A recent study by Cornell University reported an $11.20 return on each dollar contributed by producers through the national beef checkoff program.