As Thanksgiving approaches, we at Liberty Ranch are reminded of the deep connection this holiday shares with agriculture. Thanksgiving isn’t just about food; it’s about celebrating the harvest, expressing gratitude for our blessings, and looking ahead to the future. This year, inspired by Mark Z. Johnson’s insights from the OSU Cow-Calf Corner newsletter, we encourage you to consider adding beef to your Thanksgiving feast.
Why Beef?
While turkey has long been the traditional centerpiece of Thanksgiving meals, beef offers a flavorful and versatile alternative. Here’s why beef deserves a place on your holiday table:
- Flavorful Marbling: Beef is naturally interlaced with marbling, the “taste fat” that makes every bite rich and satisfying. This is a flavor advantage turkey can’t match.
- Variety of Cuts: From tender steaks to slow-cooked roasts, beef offers a variety of options to suit every palate and cooking schedule.
- Cooking Flexibility: Unlike turkey, which requires hours of baking or frying, beef can be prepared in a fraction of the time or slowly cooked to perfection.
- Economic Impact: Serving beef on Thanksgiving supports cattle producers, improving the supply and demand equation for this vital agricultural industry.
Cooking Options for Beef
Whether you have a tight schedule or all day to prepare, beef fits seamlessly into your Thanksgiving plans:
- Quick and Easy: Grill or pan-fry cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or filet steaks for a fast yet delicious meal. Burgers or chicken-fried steak are also great options for a casual holiday feast.
- Slow and Savory: For those with more time, consider smoking or roasting beef. Chuck or round roasts, brisket, or an intact rib roast are perfect for slow cooking, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth flavor that everyone will love.
Beef on Any Budget
No matter your budget, there’s a cut of beef for you.
- Premium Cuts: Steaks like ribeye or filet are pricier but deliver unmatched tenderness and flavor.
- Value Cuts: Roasts, brisket, or ground beef are more affordable options that still offer the rich, nutrient-dense benefits of beef.
For recipe ideas and more information about beef cuts, visit www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com.
Giving Thanks for Agriculture
Thanksgiving is a time to recognize the hard work of America’s farmers and ranchers. It’s their dedication, ingenuity, and perseverance that allow us to enjoy the highest quality beef in the world. Here at Liberty Ranch, we are grateful for the recent rains that have improved pastures and the strong cattle prices that support our industry.
As we prepare to celebrate, we encourage everyone to join us in raising a glass to the backbone of this country—our agricultural producers.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Liberty Ranch
This Thanksgiving, why not make beef the star of your holiday table? Whether it’s a tender steak, a hearty roast, or a smoky brisket, beef brings unmatched flavor and versatility to any meal.
From all of us at Liberty Ranch, Happy Thanksgiving! Remember Beef: It’s What’s For Thanksgiving!