BISMARCK, N.D. – NDBC celebrates May 2023 as “Beef Month” in North Dakota in recognition of the state’s beef industry and the benefits it provides to the state’s economy and to the health of its citizens.
The North Dakota Beef Commission has planned several “Beef Month” activities designed to raise public awareness to the industry and its benefits to the overall health and well-being of consumers.
“Beef Month recognizes the hard work and dedication that beef producers put into raising a high-quality product, the nutritional value of beef, and the protein consumers prefer,” said NDBC vice chairman Jason Zahn of Towner.
Beef Month activities include the third annual Beef Burger Contest, Flock Fest with the Bismarck Larks Northwoods League baseball team, North Dakota CattleWomen’s virtual 5K, Junior Beef Readers challenge, school lunch promotions, Nurse Appreciation Week activities and a grocery store promotion. These events bring attention to the industry in a variety of entertaining ways.
- Who has the best burger in North Dakota? You voted and for the last two years it was Finish Line in Velva with Underwood’s Rusted Rail right on its heels. Nominations are being taken until May 15 with voting to take place May 19-28. The winner will be announced May 30.
- Burgers and baseball go hand in hand and the NDBC and Bismarck Larks will join teams to kick off the 2023 season at Flock Fest, a ballpark celebration where fans pick up their season tickets.
- Preschool through sixth grade students are invited to commit to reading through the Junior Beef Readers Club throughout the month of May. Those taking part will receive a beef swag and be eligible for prizes.
- Seventy schools have signed up for the school lunch promotion in partnership with the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. Food service professionals will receive a promo kit and will note each time they served a meal featuring beef.
- Beef Month activities come to rural clinics the second week of May in honor of Nurse Appreciation Week. Participating clinics will receive “fuel” in the form of beef sticks, jerky, etc., recipes and supplies.
- Twelve grocery stores are participating in Beef Month Promotions, offering samples of beef as well as recipes to try as grilling season kicks off.
- The popular virtual 5K invites runners to pound the pavement, trail, or just run across the prairie any time during the month of May and share their adventure through social media.
North Dakota produces more than 915 million pounds of beef annually and contributes annual cash receipts from beef cattle sales totaling $2.53 billion.
The NDBC represents North Dakota beef producers and manages the state Beef Checkoff program that enhances beef demand by strengthening consumer trust and exceeding consumer expectations. This is accomplished through programs and activities in the areas of promotion, research and consumer information. For additional information on Beef Month activities and the NDBC, visit ndbeef.org/beef-month.