It’s day eight of May Beef Month, and checkoff-funded celebrations showcasing America’s favorite protein are underway across the country. There are plenty of ways for all of us to enjoy beef throughout the month of May, and here are five exciting ways that beef is the star of the show this month.
1. New Voice For Beef Campaign
For starters, it was recently announced that there is a new voice for beef. Admittedly, I’m still a fan of the old-fashioned “Beef, It’s What’s For Dinner,” commercials featuring the deep voice of Sam Elliot, and I know many women crooned when Matthew McConaughey talked about, “Discovering The Power Of Protein In The Land Of Lean Beef." But I’m really looking forward to the new commercials featuring the theme, “Above All Else.”
The new ad campaign builds upon the core benefits that only beef offers -- great taste and 10 essential nutrients. The nutritional profile of beef is what makes it a powerful protein, “above all else.” Actor Garrett Hedlund’s voice will take a starring role in the campaign’s radio spots. Hedlund up on his family’s cattle operation near Roseau, MN. He has had several big-screen roles including: "Troy," "Friday Night Lights," "Tron Legacy," "Country Strong" and "On The Road."
2. New York Celebrates Cinco De Mayo, Beef Tours, And Best Burger
May 5 has come and gone, but the holiday-inspired recipes can be used anytime. The New York Beef Industry Council (NYBIC) provides a list of easy meal solutions for family taco night including: steak tacos with poblano-mango salsa, buffalo-style beef tacos, confetti beef tacos, and Mexican steak soft tacos. Check out all the recipes here.
NYBIC is also hosting May Beef Month Tours. The tours will explore the beef industry from farm to fork. Check out the details here.
NYBIC has really set the bar high with May beef promotions, and one of its most famous is the Best New York Burger Contest. Regional winners for 2013 have been announced and include: “Stuffed Banana Pepper Burger” from The Grill At The Dome; “Philly Burger” from River Park Grille; “Power Play Burger” from Ale ‘n Angus Pub; “Bacon Cheese Burger” from Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner; “Buckaroo Burger” from The Spinning Room; “Classic Pub Burger” from McGirk’s Irish Pub; “Habanero Burger” from AJ’s Burger’s; and “Juicy Burkey Burger” from David Burke’s at Bloomingdales. The champion burger will be announced on May 15th.
3. Consumers In The Twin Cities Will Get The Royal Beef Treatment
The Minnesota and South Dakota Beef Industry Councils, as well as the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, have teamed up to promote beef to Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) consumers.
Lund’s/Byerly’s is an upscale retail grocery chain in the Twin Cities with 22 retail locations, and will be offering a coupon for $1 off any fresh beef product between May 16-29. The coupon reads, “Brought to you by your local beef and corn farm families.” Radio, TV and social media promotions will be used, along with a Lund’s/Byerly’s app, to reach consumers about this promotion.
Additionally, attendees at a Minnesota Monthly Grillfest 2013 will be given a reusable “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner,” shopping bag. The event attracts 4,500 grilling and food enthusiasts in the Twin Cities area. Beef partners will grill up samples and give away Beef Bucks certificates, as well.
4. Race Fans Can Celebrate Beef Night At Huset’s Speedway
Once again, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Auxiliary (SDCA) is hosting Beef Night At The Races. Set for May 27, race fans at Huset's Speedway in Brandon, SD, can enjoy free beef burgers at the track, and enter to win Beef Bucks the night of the event. SDCA is also launching a monthly contest on its Facebook page, so stop back often to learn how you could win a $25 Beef Bucks certificate each month.
In addition, the South Dakota Beef Industry Council is hosting Beef Night at Old Market Eatery + Bake Shoppe + Bar in Brookings, SD, on May 22. Featuring three beef entrees, guests will get to try a flat iron steak with grilled corn and cumin-lime butter; fig-balsamic glazed beef kabobs; and pepper steak salad with mango, avocado and jalapeño vinaigrette.
5. Grill Up Some Beef Every Day In May!
Although we grill year-round at my house, there are many who look forward to dusting off the grill with the warm weather that May brings. There are many celebrations where beef should be at the center of the plate, including Mother’s Day (May 12) and Memorial Day (May 27), as well as graduation parties and kick-off-to-summer events.
As an aside, not only is it National Beef Month, but May also pays homage to National Barbecue Month. Whether it’s a burger or a side of short ribs, there are plenty of ways to celebrate beef this month. And, I plan to do it every day. Check out this video blog that I created a few years ago, where I cook up shrimp-stuffed sirloins with garlic-basil butter!
No matter how you celebrate May Beef Month, be sure to post your good eats and family events on your social media sites, so we can spread the good word about beef! Help me add to this list.
How is your state celebrating Beef Month? What promotional events are happening in your area that we should know about? What’s your favorite way to celebrate Beef Month? Post relevant information in the comments section below.
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