The recent cool, wet weather brings some much needed moisture for many regions of the state promising us a vibrant spring for many of our South Dakota ranchers and families. The process of raising safe, quality beef begins on the land where farmers and ranchers work to meet a variety of consumer interests and needs. May continues to be the month when the covers come off the barbecue grills and the aroma of beef cooking in backyards and parks across the state signals that summer is on the way.
Celebrate Beef This May!
South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard has officially proclaimed May as Beef Month and the South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) has events and promotions underway to celebrate what’s become a state tradition. “May is all about BEEF! As consumers get ready to fire up their grill during the launch of the summer grilling season in South Dakota, we want to remind them that beef continues to lead the pack as the number one meat consumers turn to when grilling,” says SDBIC Executive Director Suzanne Geppert. “It is packed full of nutrients people can feel good about eating! As an excellent source of nine essential nutrients; lean beef provides high quality protein that is readily available and is an easily absorbed source of iron and zinc. It also carries vitamin B12, an essential nutrient that is not readily available in plant protein sources.”
Statewide Activities
South Dakota consumers will see and hear that May Beef Month message through print and radio ads throughout the month. Additional radio ads will feature SDBIC leadership highlighting demand-driving projects funded with the state’s beef checkoff. The SDBIC will also actively engage consumers and producers through social media using Facebook, Instagram and Twitter by providing weekly contest challenges. Each Monday in May, SDBIC will post an activity for the week. Each participant will go in to a weekly drawing for $100 in Beef Bucks. Winners will be announced the following Monday.
The Annual Beef Crawl is set for Mon., May 9 in Rapid City in cooperation with Ag United for South Dakota. The Beef Crawl is a progressive dinner where local “foodies” can register to dine at three downtown restaurants, enjoying beef dishes with area beef producers and industry professionals, who will be on-hand to discuss today’s beef production.
The SDBIC will also participate in cooking classes and classroom activities across the state throughout May Beef Month. Even South Dakotans donating blood at United Blood Services will be touched by the SDBIC in May. Donors will receive a low sodium beef jerky product and a “Big Nutrition in a Small Package” brochure.
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