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October has been proclaimed Beef Month by Governor Bob Riley as he
salutes the 21,415 family farms in Alabama that raise cattle. These
producers sell over $400 million of beef cattle annually which makes a
$2.5 billion impact on the state’s economy. This is the 43rd consecutive
year that Alabama’s Governor has made this proclamation for one of the
state's largest agricultural commodities.
Alabama has more than
1,260,000 head of cattle and calves on farms scattered across the state.
Alabama is ranked 9th in the United States among all states in number of
farms with beef cows. Cullman County has the largest number of cattle in
the state, followed by DeKalb, Montgomery, Marshall and Lowndes
counties. Alabama farmers harvest hay from 800,000 acres of land to help
feed the livestock.
“I am a cattle producer
and I take great pride in raising a food product to feed families across
the state and nation that tastes great and is safe and nutritious as
well,” states Steve McDonald, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association president.
“Join me in celebrating October Beef Month by serving delicious beef
meals to your family,” McDonald added.
Cattle producers and
consumers have a reason to celebrate October Beef Month. The USDA
recently announced that there are 29 cuts of beef that meet government
guidelines for lean. USDA’s definition of lean means cuts containing
less than 10 grams of total fat, 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat and
less than 94 milligrams of cholesterol per 3-ounce serving. The list of
lean beef cuts includes many traditional favorites like tenderloin and
T-bone plus new cuts available as a result of the beef checkoff-funded
muscle-profiling project, including the Western Griller and Ranch
Steaks.
Beef producers in Alabama
are overwhelmingly represented by part-time family farmers. These hard
working cattlemen and cattlewomen use modern practices and techniques to
produce the nutritious and safe beef you find in your local supermarket
and favorite restaurants. Consumers can feel good that buying beef from
these establishments any time of year is supporting the industry that
their farming and ranching neighbors work to supply.
Join Alabama beef
producers in celebrating “October Beef Month” and serve beef in October.
For delicious beef recipes visit www.bamabeef.org or
www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com. |
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Governor Bob Riley signs a
proclamation recognizing October as Beef Month in Alabama. Pictured are
ACA Executive Vice President Dr. Billy Powell of Montgomery, ACA Vice
President Leo Hollinger of Camden, ACA President Steve McDonald of
Lineville, Riley, ACA President-Elect Mike Dee of Aliceville, and ACA
Treasurer Ned Ellis of Fort Deposit. |
