I hope y’all have had a fun-filled and relaxing summer! I have spent this time working and going on the boat with my family as much as possible. I can’t believe that it is already August and it’s time for students to go back to school. Speaking of school, in this article, I will cover some excellent back-to-school beef recipes, how your kids can share their #Floridabeef500 beef story at school, and a special beef history interview with one of my favorite ranchers, Mr. Cully Rowell.
First and foremost, let’s dive into those back-to-school beef recipes. These are a few of my favorites that are quick and easy. They are great recipes if you’re a college student like me or even for the younger ones.
PERSONAL BEEF PIZZAS
– Made precisely as you like it, these individual pizzas are fun to make together.
RIDICULOUSLY TASTY ROAST BEEF
– Perfect to throw in the oven to make a quick and easy meal.
CLASSIC BEEF MEATLOAF
– This one is my absolute FAVORITE! Every time I come home from Gainesville, I call my Mama and beg her to make meatloaf.
All of these recipes are sourced from the Beef It’s What’s For Dinner website. To find the entire ingredient and recipe list, go to www.beefiswhatsfordinner.com.
Now that we have tasty food options, it’s time to prepare ourselves to share our #Floridabeef500 story with our new or old friends at school. It is crucial now more than ever to share our story. Share the great facts such as Florida is a predominant cow-calf production state. To the little things that you or your kids can share in their classrooms or with your coworkers.
It could be as simple as saying, “Hey did you know that you’re your makeup (or your chewing gum) is a byproduct from cattle?”
This starts the conversation, and then you can share your #Floridabeef500 story and even what the Florida Cattlemen’s Association is all about!
Lastly, as promised, I had the chance to interview an old-time rancher from my home county, where he shared his #Floridabeef500 story. Mr. Cully Rowell is a Manatee County native who has focused his life on producing cattle and advocating for the agricultural industry.
When asked what cattle ranching looked like then versus now, “Our cattle have grown tremendously. In 1960 our Manatee County Grand Champion seer weighed 700 pounds and was considered ‘heavy weight’; our Grand and Reserve Champion steer in 2018 were both over 1300 pounds,” said Mr. Cully.
Mr. Cully went on to talk about the innovations of healthier pastures and grasses along with crossbreeding, which has caused a tremendous weight gain in our cattle. These improvements have also helped with reproduction and cattle health.
“I can remember my grandfather would buy 500 calves at the beginning of the season to make sure that he had at least 250 to sell at the end, “said Mr. Cully.
I then asked Mr. Cully where he thinks our industry is headed; he replied, “I think we are going to have even better genetics, even better grasses, and even better feed for our cattle.”
It was an honor to interview him and hear his #Floridabeef500 story!
If you have a cowboy or cowgirl in mind that would love to share their #Floridabeef500 story with me, feel free to contact me below! Be sure to tag @FCASweetheart if you try these fantastic beef recipes, and don’t forget to use our hashtags: #Floridabeef500 and #Letsridetogeher!
Stay safe, and God Bless
