The Florida Beef Council is preparing for a high-energy month of promotional activities, beginning this weekend with a major consumer-focused event at Daytona International Speedway. From motorsports partnerships to culinary showcases, the council is continuing its mission to connect consumers with beef through creative, engaging experiences.
DM Maples with the Florida Beef Council says the pace is only accelerating. “I always say we don’t slow down and that’s the truth and in fact this weekend we’re going to speed up, pun intended there.” The kickoff event will place beef promotion front and center during one of Florida’s most iconic racing weekends.
The Florida Beef Council will be on-site at Daytona International Speedway alongside NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Jeb Burton, who pilots the No. 27 race car. “We’ll be at Daytona International Speedway with Jeb Burton, driver of the number 27 NASCAR Xfinity Series race car.” The activation includes a collaborative effort with other Southeast state beef councils designed to engage race fans in a memorable way.
As part of the promotion, “We’ve partnered with several of our Southeast State Beef Council partners on a fun, fan-focused campaign and Jeb will be out surprising a few lucky fans in the campground with MASH burger prize packs.” The interactive experience is aimed at connecting beef with fun, family-friendly moments that resonate with racing fans.
Maples notes that the partnership with Burton is a natural fit. “You know there’s a great connection between beef and racing. In fact Jeb and his father Daytona 500 winner Ward Burton are strong conservation advocates who really understand the importance of preserving our ranch lands for wildlife habitat and then of course Jeb is a big beef lover.” Fans attending the race are encouraged to keep an eye out for the Florida Beef Council team. “If you’re in Daytona please watch for us, look for us and then we’re gonna keep that momentum going.”
Following Daytona, the Florida Beef Council will head south for another major event. “We’ll head down to Miami for our third visit to the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. Really excited about that. We’ll be connecting with chefs and culinarians and of course consumers.” The festival is a major platform for showcasing beef’s versatility and quality.
“This is the largest food festival in America,” Maples said, adding that Florida beef will be well represented. “Our chefs have planned three great events. We will be the presenting sponsor for steak and whiskey. So excited to be there and doing that event again.”
Together, these events highlight the Florida Beef Council’s ongoing commitment to promoting beef through innovation, partnerships, and direct consumer engagement across the state.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.