As Oklahomans face a different environment and a new normal, the Oklahoma Beef Council is encouraging state beef lovers to savor tradition, taste and nutrition as it kicks off May Beef Month in Oklahoma. Whether it’s hamburgers or steaks, beef provides that nostalgic moment of backyard cookouts, Sunday gatherings and celebratory dinners. Beef Month is also a time to celebrate Oklahoma’s beef community. Oklahoma’s 50,000 farming and ranching families represent the state’s largest agriculture industry with a production value of $3.7 billion.
Through these difficult times, they are proud of the nutritious and wholesome beef they raise for their families and yours. Consumers can continue to feel good knowing that the beef they purchase is the safe, high-quality beef they have come to know and love. Both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration are closely monitoring current supply conditions and continue to remind consumers that the food supply is safe. The Oklahoma and U.S. beef community is committed to delivering safe and high-quality beef to consumers and working diligently to return to full capacity as soon as possible.
“We are all trying to make sense of and adjust to the times we are living in,” said Becca McMillan, a rancher and chairperson of the Oklahoma Beef Council. “Beef farmers and ranchers are facing the same issues. However, we want Oklahoma’s beef lovers to know we are committed to providing delicious, safe and nutritious beef products day-in and day-out. Oklahomans can count on our dedication to those who confidently put beef on their dinner tables.”
Oklahoma’s beef farmers and ranchers play an essential role in providing beef support and information in Oklahoma through their support of the Oklahoma Beef Council, which funds outreach efforts in education, promotion and research. Through the Beef Checkoff Program, funded by a $1-per-head national assessment, OBC helps support efforts such as the Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. national advertising campaign and international, national and instate work in the areas of beef promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, international marketing and producer communications.
During May Beef Month, OBC will feature digital billboard advertising in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, new beef cooking videos and Facebook live events focused on helping the consumer prepare beef and stretch their dollars, as well as expanded social media efforts highlighting Oklahoma’s ranching community, recipes ideas and cooking tips. The OBC will also help introduce the start of a new national campaign called United We Steak.
In celebrating May Beef Month, it is a great time to recognize the versatility of beef, with many meal options, from grilling to marinating and roasting to braising. No matter what the dish, the cooking methods or the occasion, there are many delicious ideas to choose from, and many fit any budget. If your favorite cut is not available, Oklahoma Beef Council’s website, www. oklabeef.org, can help you find an alternative cut that will deliver on the same taste and flavor of beef. The site also showcases many tasty recipes and cooking tips guaranteed to help make anybeef meal a special moment.
It’s a difficult moment in history, but also a time to celebrate our families, our friends, our healthcare heroes and all others that keep Oklahoma moving forward, including Oklahoma’s beef farmers and ranchers, and the wonderful products they help put on our tables. So fire up the grill, start the oven or light up the skillet, and celebrate May Beef Month!
Heather Buckmaster is executive director of the Oklahoma Beef Council.