By Staff
Gov. Bob Riley declared October as "beef month" in Alabama to recognize the 25,000 cattle producers in the state.
The beef cattle industry represents 23,000 cattle farms and is a $3 billion industry. Alabama has more than 1.3 million head of cattle and calves on Alabama farms and ranks ninth in the nation among all states in the number of farms with beef cows. The sale of cattle and calves in 2007 totaled more than $469 million.
"I am a cattle producer and I enjoy serving delicious and nutritious beef meals to my family," said Waco resident and Alabama Cattlemen's Association president Orland Britnell.
"Join me in celebrating October Beef Month by serving delicious beef meals to your family."
The USDA recently announced new data that shows 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 three 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 check-off funded muscle-profiling project, including the Western Griller and Ranch steaks.
The beef check-off program partners with USDA to fund the analysis of beef cuts to be sure the beef nutrient data remains up-to-date and accurate.
The cattlemen's association is encouraging the public to pull beef recipes from www.bamabeef.org and www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com.
-From staff reports