It’s the day you have all been waiting for. The judges have weighed in, and the winners have been selected for the first BEEF Daily Summer Contest. Winners will receive a signed, limited-edition western art print, and these prints are absolutely beautiful. There were many fantastic entries submitted by BEEF readers across the nation, and I enjoyed getting to meet the participants through their photos and bios. Next week, I will kick off another BEEF Daily Summer Contest, with great prize offerings for the winners. Don’t miss out on these exciting contests to celebrate summer! Now, onto the winners…

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On Memorial Monday, I spent the evening with the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Auxiliary at the 4th Annual Beef Night at Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, S.D. They had a great promotion for the fans; come to the races on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend and purchase a Beef Bucks certificate for the price of $10 and get a FREE race ticket for Beef Night. In addition, fans were also registered for several drawings for prizes such as $100 Beef Cards and much more. The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Auxiliary was truly “Beefing Up The Races” this weekend at Huset’s Speedway.

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It’s always refreshing to see positive beef industry coverage in the media. The Washington Post recently published an article boasting the most affordable beef cuts for grilling, with expert advice on best preparation methods. With a circulation of over 750,000, the Washington Post reaches a large audience on a daily basis. The article, printed in the food section, highlights three groups of steaks as affordable cuts: hanger and flatiron steaks; flank, flap, tri-tip and skirt steaks; and chuck eye, chuck shoulder and top sirloin steaks.

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Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are ignored and neglected. I believe it is increasingly important that we recognize the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country, so today’s blog entry is a tribute to the heroes that have served the United States.

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As I’m getting acclimated to living close to home again, I’m taking the opportunity to get to know the good folks of my hometown. Recently, I stopped by a local place called Cafe Teresa, where a lot of young people hang out. I decided to approach a table of people I didn’t know and ask them, “If you could ask a farmer or rancher anything about the foods you eat, what would it be?” You will have to listen to the first BEEF Daily Podcast to find out what these curious consumers want to know about YOUR industry. And, the challenge? You are going to need to answer their questions and concerns.

Of course, I sat down for a cup of coffee with them to clear the air on what they asked; however, I directed them to this website for more information. Don’t miss this opportunity to talk directly (well kind of directly) with your consumers! Listen to the podcast and answer the questions in the comments section below. I will post my responses, as well, to get everyone started! And, thanks to our consumer participants for their questions and for the folks at Cafe Teresa for letting me interview their customers! I think I made a few new friends in the process!

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On Monday, I wrote about how an ABC News affiliate station (WSB-TV) reported on the misconceptions consumers may have about the Humane Society of the United States. They questioned why so many individuals donate to an organization that does little to actually help animals. In addition, they pointed out how HSUS eagerly takes advantage of media exposure, taking credit for animal efforts around the country. This video exposed the realities of this powerful organization, and this bold report has caused quite a stir in the aftermath.

HSUS aggressively worked to pull the plug on this video before it did too much damage to their reputation. They quickly pushed WSB-TV to take the video off of its website, and they have accomplished in getting all of the text versions removed from Google, as well. The link I included of the video on Monday is now invalid, and leads me to YouTube, where I’m invited to check out a response on the WBS-TV video from HSUS President Wayne Pacelle.

Link to HSUS to read his statement on the media report. It includes all the classic moves: slander, dramatization and denial, all oozing with honey. Kudos to WBS-TV for their honest report of an organization that pulls the wool over people’s eyes in order to fund their agendas. I’m incredibly proud. May this be the first of many reports in the future to educate the public about the “real” HSUS, an organization dedicated to abolishing animal agriculture in America.

Quick BEEF Daily Fact: HSUS has accumulated $113 million in assets and built a recognizable brand by capitalizing on the confusion its very name provokes. This misdirection results in an irony of which most animal lovers are unaware: HSUS raises enough money to finance animal shelters in every single state, with money to spare, yet it doesn’t operate a single one anywhere. ( Source: Activist Cash )

* Calling all agriculture enthusiasts! Where are your photos for the First BEEF Daily Summer Contest? I have some awesome entries turned in, but I know there are more great photos out their worth sending! Two signed, limited edition western art prints are the prizes, and you don’t want to miss out! It’s easy! Send in your favorite photo, along with a brief description, as well as a photo of yourself with a mini bio of yourself to amanda.nolz@penton.com. Send a photo of your kids, your tractor, your cows, your corn. I want it all! You know you want to enter! See the official rules regarding this contest here. Contest ends Wednesday, May 28, 2009. Don’t wait!

Slipping on a crisp apron, the confident chef grabs his gleaming stainless steel grilling tools. He lights the coals and lays his tender beef cut on the grill. The steak sizzles as the fire dances below. As the succulent steak is finished to a perfect medium rare, the chef knows he will soon bite into a little piece of heaven. Is your mouth watering yet? Good, that means you love a good steak on the grill just as much as me. Now, the challenge is to remind the consumers how much they love beef, too!

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Two months ago I signed up to run a half marathon (13.1 miles) with my sister, Courtney, in Brookings, S.D. on behalf of America’s beef producers. I joined Team ZIP (Zinc/Iron/ Protein), a group of runners who believe in the power of protein in the land of lean beef. Team ZIP demonstrates that beef gives the strength needed to cross the finish line by participating in running, cycling and triathlon events across the country. This was my first half marathon, and I was proud to hear my name called as I crossed the finish line, announcing that I was running on behalf of America’s beef producers. My jersey proudly said, “Beef, it’s what’s for dinner,” and it earned me quite a few comments and cheers throughout the race.

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For many, the end of school is near, and that means kids are available to help with summer farm work. Usually that means fixing fence, baling hay, chopping and spraying thistles, checking cows or grinding creep feed. For most folks, summer means long days working outside, and very little time for checking your favorite blogs like BEEF Daily. Well, I’m willing to bet you’ll make some time to stop by www.beefmagazine.com with my summer contests, launching today! Every two weeks, we will be hosting a new contest with great prizes, and you won’t want to miss a thing!

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KFC is now offering recalls to a huge number of people after Oprah offered free coupons for Kentucky Grilled Chicken Meals at her website. Winfrey said the offer was simply a gesture to help her viewers struggling with the effects of recession, but now she is getting “grilled” for this major contradiction in her many outspoken views. Why is Oprah, a past PETA person of the year, offering chicken meals to her viewers? PETA said they awarded Oprah with this title because, “She used her show to uncover horrific cases of cruelty to animals in puppy mills and on factory farms, and Oprah even used the show to highlight the cruelty-free vegan diet that she tried!” Now, the animal rights activists are in a complete frenzy and are upset that their “trophy girl” has contradicted their views on animal rights. I think this is just another example of how Oprah has a completely flawed idea of her true morals and values, and she can’t stand on both side of the fence and preach to the world anymore. What does Oprah REALLY stand for anyway? In the end, it’s kind of hysterical to see her get in a little hot water for this hypocrisy.

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