Area Cattlewomen Promote Beef

OVANDO - The Blackfoot Valley CattleWomen (BVC) hosted an event at the Ender Ranch in Ovando June 6 to promote beef as a healthy, practical food.

The BVC are a group of local beef producers who believe in the beef industry, its importance in the Montana economy and how beef is essential in every balanced diet, according to member, producer and Potomac resident Jody Wills.

The BVC wants "to do all in our power to instill in the coming generations the love of the land and of life," a part of the American National CattleWomen's creed. One way they do this is through positive messages about beef.

The BVC wants to continue to promote beef to different groups and hope to have dietitians help educate on the nutritional aspect of beef by raising community awareness through annual events like farm tours for youth and adults, presentations to area (beef) producers and "Beef... just eat it," the catch phrase the BVC use on promotional gifts and prizes at the Tri-County Fair.

The function's goal was to show where beef comes from, discuss ideas on cattlewomen outreach and to show results of reports from local brand inspectors who have encountered some resistance from producers paying the Montana Beef Council dollars.

Montana Beef Council Executive Director Chaley Harney presented the latest beef council report. The report was about beef nutrition and promotion.

"We want to promote the right messages about beef," Harney said. "Consumers are buying beef everyday, and ranchers do care about their beef and how it is raised."

The Montana Beef Council is reaching out to young families through their advertising because according to demographic studies the "millennia's" are a big part of the consumer base.

The group attending the event brought up discussion topics including beef nutrition, check off dollars and country of origin labeling.

According to the Montana Beef Council provided literature, all beef is grass-fed, natural, nutritious and safe. This means all cattle spend a majority of their lives eating pasture grass. Most beef does not contain additives and has good protein. Strict government guidelines ensure high levels of safety for beef, according to the Montana Beef Council.

Consumers have the option to look for beef labeling such as "Grain finished", "Natural Grass-fed Beef", "Purely Natural Beef" and "USDA Organic."

Potomac rancher Jeff Wilson said consumers need fat in their diet. "Consumers gain enjoyment from fats," he said. A three-ounce serving of lean beef contains 154 calories. A three-ounce serving of ground beef contains 162 calories, 11 percent total fat and 16 percent saturated fat. Wilson voiced concerns regarding hormone and antibiotics use in beef and possible loss of fat marbling in the meat.

The check off program is when inspectors and/or buyers collect one dollar for every head of live cattle sold. The Montana Beef Council authorizes the spending of those dollars in Montana, which are used for education, research and to promote beef like "Team Beef", athletic programs like the Montana Running Ranchers, cooking classes and American Heart Association events.

Country of origin labeling is when the packaged beef in a store shows what country the meat is from. The importing of beef when beef is locally raised was a hot topic. Local producers and residents were concerned about imported beef in the market instead of locally grown beef being used. According to the BVC, the main reason producers want consumers to know which country their beef is coming from is quality control and health issues. Sometimes beef produced in other countries may not meet the quality standards of local beef. Those at the meeting thought consumers may become discouraged if the beef isn't to their satisfaction for flavor or tenderness. Most consumers would like local beef or at least US beef to support the business in their home country.

Harney said, "Country of origin labeling is a policy issue and, by law, we do not work on policy issues." She added for further information membership/policy organizations have that information. "We focus on following the laws as they are currently written and our mission of increasing demand for beef."

The BVC hopes to continue to put a face on farmers and ranchers while promoting a love for beef.

For more information on the Montana Beef Council go to montanabeefcouncil.org

 

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