Celebrating May as Beef Month | May/June 2025

By Kelly Schmidt

Photos courtesy Minnesota Beef Council

Honoring Minnesota’s beef industry and advocating for beef producers.

One of my favorite months of the year is May. Is it because May is my birthday month? While that is a nice reason to be my favorite, that is not actually it. May is nationally recognized as Beef Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of beef producers and the role of beef in our diets.

In Minnesota, this celebration holds special significance, given the state’s rich agricultural heritage and the dedication of its beef community. At the forefront of this celebration is the Minnesota Beef Council (MBC), an organization committed to promoting beef and supporting the state’s beef producers. I am grateful to lead an organization that does this work.

Every year, I have beef producers ask me, “What is the Minnesota Beef Council doing for May beef month this year?” And while I completely understand why they ask the question, I always like to remind them that for the MBC, every month is beef month! We do a lot of the same things in May that we are doing all year round. With that in mind, I want to share some of the things that the MBC does throughout the year to promote and highlight beef as the premier protein in a healthy diet and tell you how we are developing beef spokespeople and leaders.

A Plan and Purpose

Established and funded by Minnesota’s beef farmers and ranchers, the MBC’s mission is to strengthen beef demand by responsibly providing a safe, wholesome, healthy, and delicious eating experience. The Council, under the direction of its board of directors consisting of beef farmers and ranchers, focuses on several core strategies:

• Protecting and enhancing the business climate for beef

• Growing consumer trust in beef and beef production

• Promoting and strengthening beef’s value proposition

• Driving growth in beef exports

Activities and Outreach

During May, the MBC amplifies its efforts to promote beef and educate consumers. One notable initiative is the focus on sustainability, highlighting the practices of Minnesota’s beef farmers in caring for the land and raising cattle responsibly. This message is shared through various channels, including social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, using engaging pictures, videos, and graphics. Through the same channels, we share recipe ideas, beef health and nutrition facts, and fun infographics highlighting delicious beef cuts.

Additionally, the MBC participates in events such as Grillfest, partnering with the Blondies Butcher Shop team to serve burger samples and engage with attendees about beef cuts and grilling techniques. These events provide opportunities to connect directly with consumers and share the benefits of including beef in a balanced diet.

Producer Support

Beyond consumer outreach, the MBC is dedicated to supporting beef producers through programs like the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification. This program educates farmers on best practices in cattle handling, management, and care, ensuring the production of high-quality beef. In Minnesota, more than 5,000 farmers and ranchers hold active BQA certifications, reflecting the industry’s commitment to excellence.

The Council also offers resources such as the Local Producer Promotion Program, which provides funding to local cattle producer organizations for projects that promote beef. These initiatives empower producers to engage with their communities and share their stories. Many local organizations like county cattlemen’s groups, county Farm Bureaus and 4-H or FFA groups take advantage of these resources to promote beef in their communities.

Engaging the Next Generation

Understanding the importance of educating future consumers and industry leaders, the MBC provides various educational resources. The Masters of Beef Advocacy is a national program that equips individuals with the tools to become effective advocates for the beef industry.

Using this program as the foundation, the MBC created a Minnesota specific leadership and advocacy program called Top of the Class. It combines the principles of the Masters of Beef Advocacy program with in-person experience. The MBC partners with the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association in executing this program.

Annually, the Top of the Class program selects a cohort of aspiring beef leaders who participate in three different educational sessions. In these sessions, the participants learn to tell their beef story. They learn tips and tricks to utilize social media and other forms of communication to enhance their message. The class also takes many tours of businesses involved in all aspects of the beef supply chain.

Another program highlight is spending a day at the Minnesota state capitol and learning about policy development and hearing from leaders at various state departments and agencies. Another feature of the class is the immersive trip to Colorado to visit Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC, a Cargill beef processing facility, visiting the NCBA and Cattlemen’s Beef Board offices to learn from their staff, as well as a presentation from the U.S. Meat Export Federation. This Top of the Class program has created spokespeople and leaders who continue to impact the beef industry in Minnesota into the future.

As we celebrate Beef Month this May, it’s an opportune time to recognize the hard work of Minnesota’s beef producers and the efforts of the Minnesota Beef Council. Their dedication ensures that consumers have access to safe, nutritious, and delicious beef, while also supporting the state’s economy and agricultural legacy.

For more information on the Minnesota Beef Council and our initiatives, visit mnbeef.org. And remember; Beef, it’s what’s for dinner!

learn more at www.mnbeef.org