Beef Gets On The Wheel
Hi I’m Susan Allen and I’ll be the first to admit I’ve been quick to hammer the ag industry for what I’ve often called “ho hum” marketing but reflecting on the past year I thought I should also recognize the efforts of groups that thought “outside the box” in regards to consumer education when Open Range returns. I’ve never been hesitant to critique the ag industry’s often tepid marketing attempts to reach consumers but kudos to a ranchers in South Dakota for thinking “outside the box” that put beef “on the wheel.” In fact, beef producers throughout the nation ught to thank the Beef Bucks Inc a non-profit group for getting $1000 in Beef Bucks featured on the popular Wheel Of Fortune television show. Beef Bucks are pre-paid checks or debit cards for purchasing beef at restaurants and grocery stores. The beef prize will be included on the carnival wheel contestants spin for prizes during the nationally syndicated Wheel of Fortune. Beef Buck’s purpose is twofold; to promote beef and teach consumers about beef nutrition and cooking. According to the Kansas Livestock Association , beef producer Bob Montross, one of eight Beef Bucks Directors, said they began working on the Wheel of Fortune idea over two years ago. Although the first episode already has been taped, Montross said he, just like other viewers, will have to wait until it airs tonight to see if a player wins the $1,000 in Beef Bucks. Beef Bucks, Inc. has sold more than $1 million worth of beef-only checks and reloadable debit cards since its inception in 1997. The Beef Bucks have been used in more than 40 states and are available at www.beefbucks.org.
