This is not just a great advertising slogan, it’s also one of the goals of the New Mexico CowBelles. Indeed, increasing demand for BEEF is one of our primary missions and it looks like we’re succeeding! According to the American Society of Animal Science, a recent survey by Oklahoma State University shows that “consumer willingness to pay for all meat products has increased since this time last year. In fact, willingness to pay is at its highest since the survey began in 2013.” (http://takingstock.asas.org/?p=17223) That’s great news!
One of the biggest consumer challenges identified by the survey “is finding food that will fit within their budgets. When purchasing food, consumers first look for taste, safety, and nutrition. The novelty of the food item is the least valued by consumers.” So what this tells us is that traditional standbys, such as pot roast and stew, are still valued by the busy Mom on a budget.
Fortunately we just need to re-introduce the millennial generation to a crockpot and more affordable cuts of meat. That’s where you come in. I have seen photos and facebook posts of the great activities your locals have been doing at the county fairs. CowBelles across the state have been spreading the good news about how the ranching community cares for their animals and the land, how the hormones in BEEF compare to those in spinach and tofu, and how cattle by-products provide us with everyday necessities.
While you’re at it, hand out a recipe brochure or two from the New Mexico Beef Council. They have wonderful publications on crockpot meals, how to utilize various cuts of meat, and how to feed a hungry crowd at a tail gate party! Or you can like our facebook page and share our recipe posts on your personal page. This significantly increases the reach and those glamour food shots will send people to the meat case pdq! You can also find us on pinterest – we have recipe boards for hamburger, soups/stews and crockpot meals. By re-pinning you create a ripple effect that will be felt for decades as cooks hand down their favorite recipes from one generation to another.
If we’ve learned anything from the past decade it’s that we’re all foodies now. We want to create family meals that are not just delicious and nutritious, but also pretty. Let’s help our fellow foodies by providing them with BEEF recipes that fit the bill. By increasing demand we’ll be “Making a Difference” for New Mexico’s BEEF community.
Dalene Hodnett, President, New Mexico CowBelles, 575/649-0917, dalene.hodnett@gmail.com
The New Mexico CowBelles’ Pat Nowlin Memorial Scholarship
Recipients for 2015 are as follows:
Bryce Bowerman is from Hope, New Mexico and son of Brandi Bowerman, a Yucca CowBelle. Bryce was very active in the Artesia FFA winning the Proficiency Award Gold Status for 2015 and will go onto compete at nationals in 2015. Bryce held several school offices and participated in special activities such as Lions Club, NM 4-H and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA). Bryce will attend New Mexico State University preparing for an occupation in Animal Pharmaceuticals.
Tessa Franz is from Clayton, New Mexico, and daughter of Owida Crites Franz, a Lariat CowBelle. Tessa was very active in sports: Basketball – four years, Track – two years and Volleyball – two years. She was Senior Class President, involved in 4-H, rodeo and FFA, judging Livestock and Horse. Tessa plans to attend Eastern New Mexico University majoring in a medical and health field, possibly Dental Hygienist or Sports Medicine Therapy.
Makayla Richardson is from Las Cruces and daughter of Janelda Richardson, a Mesilla Valley CowBelle. Makayla attended Mayfield High School participating in Newspaper, Varsity Choir, Athletic Trainer, National Honor Society, Rodeo, 4-H and FFA. Makayla will be attending New Mexico State University where knowing she will benefit from the University’s Agricultural background and extended research with livestock, and plans on a career in Agricultural Communications.
Starlyn Saige Treadwell is from Deming, New Mexico and belongs to the BorderBelles. Starlyn attended Deming High School and Hot Springs High School. Starlyn was very active in 4-H and NM 4-H Rodeo. She played six years of Volleyball and showed animals on the local and State Fair levels. She joined FFA to judge Pasture and Range and helps her father on the ranch as well as with the
Lake Valley Outfitters. Starlyn will attend Oklahoma State University or South Plains College to study Ranch Management and Animal Science.
The New Mexico CowBelles Pat Nowlin Memorial Scholarship fund helps CowBelles and their children to further their education. It is funded by donations in honor or memory of someone dear to local members throughout the State. Thank you to all CowBelles and Locals for their help in a very worthwhile cause. Submitted by Anne Ferguson, Chair
Corriente CowBelles July 24, 2015 Meeting – The meeting was called to order by President Ashley Ivins at the Smokey Bear Park in Capitan. Twelve members, 3 guests, and numerous kids were present. Everyone brought items to make banana splits. Membership report: Before the meeting: 39 members and two junior members. After the meeting: 43 members and four junior members JulieAnne introduced all new members and guests. It was decided to accept the June picnic report. Ashley spoke with Terry Bullard to rent his band and building for a dinner dance. He will discount his band fees, $150 for building, $50 cleanup. Terri Knight will look into insurance for this event. JulieAnne will research a picnic permit to serve alcohol. Lori Plant will research food costs of caterers. The quilt committee has been collecting brands. Carolee, the chairwoman will be moving. The new Eagles Club in Capitan will be branding wood for their bar top if anyone would like to add their brand to the bar top. During the fair the Corriente CowBelles will host a table in the show barn with beef promotional items. A signup sheet is available and shifts need to be covered. During the livestock sale, the Corriente CowBelles will wear new shirts and assist purchasers with the details of getting signatures, pictures, and packers. Willa gave the report from the CowBelles mid-year meeting. The meeting was held in Ruidoso, and several issues were discussed. The Beef Ambassador program was a hot topic. Ashley also attended this conference. A few T-shirts are available for sale for $15. Ashley wrote a grant to the Hubbard Foundation in hopes of receiving some money to purchase promotional items, and to support the Ag in the Classroom teacher and tools. A committee of Betsy Peralta, Willa Stone, Cassie Sponagel, and Sharon Young was formed to award the Man of the Year and CowBelle of the Year. This committee will also order prizes with $75-100 allotted for each award. Ag Day needs to be held in October in hope of utilizing some of the presenters from the Cowboy Symposium. JulieAnne, Betsy, Ashley, Valerie, and Katie are the committee. Cream of the Crop letters were sent. It was determined that the club will donate $100 to Cream of the Crop and to the Capitan’s Buyers Club. The next meeting will be rescheduled. Everyone enjoyed banana splits. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Young, Corriente CowBelles Secretary
The Mesilla Valley CowBelles met on August 18, 2015 at Cracker Barrel with eight members present. Information was shared regarding a teen from Arizona CowBelles enrolled in school at New Mexico State University who may need some assistance. Her contact information was shared and the group will keep in touch with her. The local will assist with the Ag Day at NMSU vs Idaho Vandals Football Game October 31, 2015. Hope to come up with a game of some kind using the byproducts poster. Southern New Mexico State Fair Cleanup day is September 19, 2015, 9:00 am. There will be a short meeting immediately following the cleanup. Fair booth needs and Five States were discussed. Submitted by Janet Witte
New Mexico CowBelles: Thank you to all who have submitted their news to Jingle Jangle. Please send minutes and/or newsletters to: Jingle Jangle, Janet Witte, 1860 Foxboro Ct., Las Cruces, NM 88007 or email: janetwitte@msn.com the 14th of each month