What’s on the menu for spring events? With a little advocacy outreach, let’s get to working promoting beef in our communities!

Amanda Radke

April 19, 2021

2 Min Read
rocky-mountain-grilled-t-b copy.png
Beef Checkoff

Meat In Day was a grand celebration across the country, and now cattle producers are looking for creative ways to continue to build upon the momentum that this beef-filled day ushered in.

There are many opportunities to share our stories in the near future.

Consider environmental, conservation, cattle grazing and land management talking points to share on Earth Day.

How about helping husbands and kids celebrate Mom by sharing delicious beef recipes they could prepare on Mother’s Day?

Grilling season is just around the corner. Got any special tips for marinating steak tips? How about creative burger toppers? What about grilling suggestions? Propane? Charcoal? Smoker?

Then, of course, we have seasonal holidays where people gather, such as Memorial Day weekend. Might I suggest a meat and cheese platter centered around beef to please the masses?

Then let’s not forget the countless misconceptions out there that need to be addressed and countered.

Finally, there are several ballot initiatives and proposed regulations that would cripple the animal agricultural industry and take meat off the menu, but do voters understand the ramifications?

Yes, we have much work to do in this industry, and it’s hard to know exactly where to start. Yet, if we all add “advocacy and outreach” to our goals for each day, slowly but surely I think we can change hearts and minds about who we are in animal agriculture and what we do to produce safe, wholesome and nutritious food and by-products for the world to enjoy.

Related:National Ag Week: A roundup of ongoing advocacy efforts

So where do we start?

Seek to start locally. So many of us are involved in church, school or other organizations within our small rural towns. Just because people live in agricultural communities, doesn’t mean that they necessarily know what you’re up to in the rural countryside. Start sharing your stories and build that consumer trust at home!

Then look for ways to connect online! There’s no one right way to be a strong advocate, but by simply sharing your stories and passions through photos, videos and posts, we can start creating a positive narrative that centers around beef cattle for improving human and planetary health.

Be authentic. Be engaging. Be available. Be transparent. Be unapologetically you. Be consistent. And utilize resources that are already developed and share, share, share.

On Thursday, I’ll continue this theme by showing you what our family is going to do promote a positive beef cattle message on Earth Day! This will include helpful resources and factoids for you to share, as well.

Related:Kids & advocacy: Some advice from a ranching mom

How are you promoting beef this spring? Share your efforts with me in the comments or by emailing me at [email protected], and together, we can celebrate our small victories and continue to build some positive momentum as the calendar marches closer to grilling season.

The opinions of Amanda Radke are not necessarily those of beefmagazine.com or Farm Progress.

Subscribe to Our Newsletters
BEEF Magazine is the source for beef production, management and market news.

You May Also Like