Dec. 17, 2004 - Operation BEEF UP Our Troops’ Success: Buckmaster

“Operation BEEF UP Our Troops” is an effort by the beef industry and the USO (United Service Organizations) to provide high-quality beef jerky to U.S. forces serving overseas.  The campaign kicked off in early November and has been well-received, explains Heather Buckmaster, Director of Marketing for the Colorado Beef Council.   

Cut #1     :20  Outcue: "... jerky for the USO care packages."

Convenience and nutrition are cited as two of the main reasons that beef jerky is one of the most popular care package items with U.S. troops.

Cut #2     :14  Outcue: "...help facilitate that process."

Rural America has stepped up to support the program, including significant fund-raising efforts by ag organizations.

Cut #3     :34 Outcue: "...a strong cross-section.”

While “Operation BEEF UP Our Troops” can only accept monetary donations, the packages will let troops know that donations from farming and ranching families purchased the beef jerky. 

Cut #4     :18  Outcue: "...thoughts and prayers are with you."

There is still time to donate before the holidays, and Buckmaster explained how donations can be made.

Cut #5     :29  Outcue: "...provide that donation for them."

The national Beef Checkoff Program is administered by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, a group of 108 beef producers nominated by the Secretary of Agriculture.  They represent producers from coast-to-coast and volunteer their time to help identify programs that can help increase beef demand.  The checkoff was created in the 1985 Farm Bill, with oversight provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.