This month marks the 50^th anniversary of one of the longest running beef promotion programs in the country – October Beef Month (OBM).

Gov. Robert Bentley continued the traditions by signing a proclamation proclaiming that October is Beef Month in Alabama. The first OBM proclamation was signed by Gov. George Wallace and the ceremony has continued through the terms of Lurleen Wallace, Albert Brewer, Fob James, Guy Hunt, Jim Folsom Jr., Don Siegelman, Bob Riley and now Robert Bentley.

“This year’s theme, ‘50 Years of Flavor’, will focus on the largest beef promotion project ever undertaken in the state”, said Dr. Billy Powell, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) executive vice president.

Beef promotion activities will be carried out in numerous venues utilizing different forms of media.

“It’s appropriate that for the 50^th anniversary of October Beef Month, a $50,000 TV advertising buy has been made in the state’s five major consumer markets,” ACA president Woody Clark, of Andalusia, said.

“Beef cuts will be center stage at a variety of venues during October, including an exciting new iron chef style competition featured at the Breakin’ Bread Food Festival in downtown Birmingham in partnership with the Birmingham Originals,” said Erin Beasley, ACA director of consumer M=marketing.

Other statewide activities taking place during the month will be the screening of the movie “Farmland” at Auburn University; promotions to increase beef sales with Sysco Foodservice; the “Cowboys in the Classroom” reading program, which Franklin County Cattlemen take part in every year; Beef Day at the Farmer’s Market in Montgomery; and celebrating the winner of the “Alabama’s Best Steak” contest with a media event and plaque presentation.

All of these events are designed to advance awareness for the beef industry as well as increase demand across the state. Getting involved is as simple as enjoying an extra steak this month.

County cattlemen’s chapters are also involved in this great celebration with 25 counties scheduling at least one OBM event in their county.

These beef promotion programs are made possible by funds paid by cattle producers when they sell their cattle. A recent study by Cornell University reported an $11.20 return on each dollar contributed by producers through the national beef checkoff program.