“Beef. It’s what’s for dinner®.”

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of this highly effective marketing tagline, the beef brand is being refreshed.  National and state beef councils are taking this opportunity to educate a new generation of consumers about the many benefits beef. They’re also featuring a new generation of cattle farmers, who take great pride in producing quality beef.

In honor of May Beef Month, I chose to feature one of the most passionate beef enthusiasts I know. Andee Hammen is a young cattle farmer, who helps bring beef to family’s tables across America.

Andee and her family raise beef on their farm in Jolley, Iowa. Their operation includes her dad, Gary; her mom, Linda, and her sister, Brittany. In addition to 150-head commercial cow-calf herd, the Hammen family raises corn and soybeans.

“My dad definitely sparked my interest in beef production,” says Andee, who first got involved in her family’s beef operation by raising bottle calves as a kid. “Helping bottle feed calves on our farm is one of my fondest memories. I’ve always been an animal lover, and I think it stems from raising bottle calves when I was young.”

The older Andee got, the more involved she became in 4-H and FFA beef projects. That experience also led her down an ag career path. She chose to major in Agricultural Communications at Iowa State University and took many beef production courses as electives.

Andee graduated from ISU in May of 2017. She works as a content manager at Corner Post Marketing Communications in Fort Dodge. She enjoys living and working near her hometown because it allows her to remain active in her family’s farming operation.

“Dad’s passion and dedication day in and day out makes me truly appreciate this industry,” says Andee. “He encouraged my sister and me to pursue other interests, but we’ve both came back to the farm because we knew it’s where we belong.”

After graduating from college, Andee wanted to get more involved in the beef industry and applied for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP).

“I knew that taking part in this program would open my eyes up to what other possibilities and opportunities are out there for young cattlemen,” says Andee. “So far it has exceeded my expectations!”

The YCLP is a series of educational sessions designed to develop leadership qualities in young cattle farmers. Sessions touch on key beef cattle industry topics as well as activities to enhance leadership skills. Andee has also enjoyed the opportunity to meet other cattle farmers from all over the state.

Another interest of Andee’s is capturing every-day moments on their farm with her camera. She became interested in photography during her freshmen year of college.

“Being away from the farm made me homesick,” explains Andee. “Photography was a great way to bring a little piece of home and the farm with me to college. I have really taken interest in photography, and now I rarely go anywhere without my camera.”

Andee’s favorite subjects to photograph are cattle, corn, soybeans, sunsets and nature. She enjoys photos that represent life in rural Iowa, which you can see from the photos that accompany this story. You also can follow her on Instagram.

Photography is a way for Andee to preserve a lifetime of memories and to help the Hammen legacy live on.

“What I love most about raising cattle is the fact that the industry is allowing my family to create a legacy,” says Andee. “You put so much blood, sweat and tears into the operation that it just becomes part of you. We’re continually making improvements for the future generations.”

Because honoring family traditions is so important to Andee, today she is sharing with us a family favorite recipe for Teryaki Steak Kabobs.

Roots run deep and continue to do so as Latham® dealer Dave Bergquist and his wife, Chloe, recently welcomed their new baby boy into the world.

The Bergquists have followed a “like father, like son,” motto throughout generations. This makes the birth of their son, Briar, even more exciting as they hope add another generation to the Bergquist family farms.

Dave’s great step grandfather started farming in the early 1900s, and they continue to grow their operation. Dave and Mike raise wheat, sugar beets, corn and soybeans in Foxhome, Minn. The 2018 crop year marks Dave’s first year of full-time farming. He’s seeking opportunities to grow the legacy his great step grandfather started.

After completing the John Deere program at North Dakota State College of Science, Dave worked five years as a technician at a John Deere implement dealership. Through hands-on learned both in college and on-the-job, Dave has developed many skills that are much needed on the farm and in his seed dealership.

Taking on a dealership has allowed Dave supplement his income, so he can farm full time. He says he and his family enjoy working with independent, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.

“Not only do they offer great products, but Latham Seeds is family owned. Everyone really does treat you like family,” says Dave.

Mike and Dave are point people for their operation, but it really is a family operation. Dave’s four sisters, his mom and his wife pitch in when needed. Chloe also works as a dental hygienist in Foxhome, Minn.

As the Bergquist family grows, Dave looks forward to working and relaxing with family. He enjoys fishing and hunting, so hopes Briar will want to join him in a few years. He and Chloe also enjoy spending time at the lake with her family. The couple met in high school when Dave was playing baseball and Chloe was keeping stats for the team.

After creating memories as a couple for 10 years, they’re looking forward to continuing family traditions and creating memories with their children.

“I grew up wanting to be like my dad,” says Dave. “As someone who you look up to your whole life, it only makes sense to do what you were taught. I really enjoy farming. It’s satisfying to plant seed, watch the plants grow and harvest the year-long accomplishments.”

Today, Chloe, is sharing a family favorite recipe. It is also a tractor-friendly recipe, and it won’t be long before Upper Midwest farmers are in the field!

Whether you’re interested in touring the U.S. Capitol, building your resume, developing your leadership potential or seeing international sites like the Great Barrier Reef, the FFA can take you there! Global Programs allow FFA members to explore different agricultural practices, business practices and cultures in countries around the world. Career Development Events (CDEs) help students develop the abilities to think critically, communicate clearly and perform effectively in a competitive job market.

“If you just a little digging, there is something for everyone. There are programs and activities that will interest students whether they live in town or in the country and whether or not they’re interested in livestock or agronomy,” says Mr. Fred Zenk, who is in 20th year as ag instructor and FFA advisor in Webster, South Dakota. “One of my students placed in the top four nationally in public speaking. Seven students have worked and studied overseas in Africa, China and Europe. There is literally a world of opportunity for FFA members.”

Variety is one reason Mr. Zenk said he became interested in teaching agriculture. “Agriculture education” covers so many subjects: small engine repair, soils, ag mechanics, agronomy and animal science. He also teaches 7^th and 8^th grade exploratory and Ag Business plus offers an Ag Science for freshman.

“I really enjoy it when students discover their strengths and you see them really start to enjoy their studies. It’s a lot of fun when they start asking questions, desire to learn more and show a genuine interest,” says Mr. Zenk. “I really enjoy watching students develop their potential and gain confidence. There were a few students who had low self esteem and went on to become state FFA officers.”

Mr. Zenk and his wife, Cindy, have four children who also benefitted from participating in the FFA. Their two daughters and two sons had FFA projects in beef and crop production. Mr. Zenk says he knows their FFA experiences have contributed to their career success. Oldest daughter, Crissa, graduated from South Dakota State University (SDSU) and worked for Monsanto. She and her husband own their own feed company plus raise beef cattle and Katahdin sheep. Kyli went into social work and now does accounting. Derek works as a seed production specialist for Kuecker Seed Farm in Webster. Danny works as an agronomist for the newly formed AgTegra Cooperative.

The Zenks share a love of agriculture. As conservation district manager and state soil health coordinator, Cindy Zenk wants to get kids involved with conservation. She coordinates tree plantings and manages CRP acres, so she and Fred work together to identify learning opportunities for students.

One such learning opportunity is Range Judging. There are more than 120 plants in South Dakota that students must identify as part of the state competition. Students must determine if the plant is native or introduced, cool or warm season, perennial or annual, good or bad for grazing, as well as whether it’s used by wildlife and fowl for cover or food.

“Our state has chosen Prairie Grouse as the indicator for wildlife habitat because pheasants aren’t native to South Dakota,” explains Mr. Zenk. “In the Range Land competition, students must identify factors that are important to Prairie Grouse such as nesting cover, brood food, and brood habitat.

Mr. Zenk coached an FFA Land and Range Judging team in 2016 and co-coached a 4-H Land and Range Judging team in 2017. His two teams qualified for national competition in both 2016 and 2017. The Day County team was named reserve national champion at the National Land and Range Judging Contest on May 4, 2017, in Oklahoma City.

Understanding soils is key for both livestock and crop production. Students studying agriculture at Webster High School must decide which crops they’re going to plant on the 78-acre student-run farm. Their farm has been no-till since 1996. They usually plant oats and soybeans but have planted wheat. This year Mr. Zenk said the students’ biggest decision was whether to plant oats or spring wheat. Students decided to plant oats because the soils where the crop will be planted contains 13 inches of good soil with a level of gravel underneath.

“This area receives just enough moisture to get a 35-pound test weight on oats,” explains Mr. Zenk. “They decided to go with oats and also picked a cover crop mixture.”

Students learn about new agricultural practices and technologies through

“Technology has changed how I teach,” says Mr. Zenk. “We can take so many more ‘field trips’ through the Internet.”

His classes have taken virtual field trips to the Ford Motor Company, Texas Tech, Cornell University, Cal Poly College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Iowa State Veterinary Laboratories and Crops Lab, as well Cat® Equipment to name a few.

Mr. Zenk tells his students, “The harder you work the further you will go.” We salute teachers like Mr. Zenk who inspire the next generation of agriculturists!

The characteristics that Daniel Faidley of Colfax, Iowa, looks for when he selects seedstock today is almost completely opposite of what he and his siblings selected when they were showing tall, large-framed Limousin cattle as 4-H and FFA members in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In fact, his herd is more reminiscent of the cattle his dad raised and showed in the 1950s and 60s.

“I go to a lot of business dinners and see a lot of steaks that don’t get finished because they’re just too big. That’s just wasteful, so I decided to raise smaller cattle that would produce beef that created an amazing eating experience for people,” explains Daniel, who works full-time as sales director for WinField United. “I researched several options and discussed them with my brother, Dwayne. His advice was, ‘If you want to look at your cows in the pasture and really like what you see, go with Mini Herefords. They’re quality cattle that produce incredible beef’.”

That decision started Bear Grove Beef and Bear Grove Family Farms, which were named after the one-room schoolhouse near the farm where Dwayne and Daniel grew up. These two core businesses complement one another: Bear Grove Beef focuses on producing better seedstock every year with the ultimate goal of raising cattle that can win in the show ring but also are productive in the pasture. Bear Grove Family Farms focuses on delighting consumers with extremely high quality beef for their dining pleasure.

“I wish more consumers understood just how safe and nutritious beef is in this country. I wish they didn’t get bombarded with misinformation that creates fear and doubt,” says Daniel. “Our approach to marketing Bear Grove Family Farms beef is to never say anything negative about other beef or the way it was produced, with the important exception of not condoning anything that’s egregious abuse of animals or the law. We’d rather tell our story and give people the choice of how they’re going to feed their families. We’ve had people call and ask for free range, grass fed, organic… whatever. We explain what we do and how we do it. Sometimes, they say, ‘Okay, that makes sense. I’d like to buy some.’ Sometimes, they say, ‘Sorry, but it has to meet XYZ criteria and your beef doesn’t do that.’ That’s fine with us. We are going to be 100 percent truthful about what we do.”

The Faidleys feel so strongly about honesty that it’s is a written policy. A pamphlet given to Bear Grove Family Farms’ customers states:

We will answer any question you have, honestly.

Less than 3% of the U.S. population has any direct connection to a farm. That leads to questions about what happens on the farm and creates confusion about what farming practices are good and what are bad. We have nothing to hide about where the food we produce comes from and how it was raised. You may have some strong preferences about food and need to know specifics about the food we produce to decide if you want to buy food from us. Just ask. If our answers mean you choose to go elsewhere for your food, we are ok with that. We hope knowing the facts about our food helps people make confident choices about the food they put on their own dinner tables.

When cows are grazing the lush pastures of a new spring, no one is more grateful for their health and gets more joy from watching them with their calves than the farmer. And, when that first-time mama cow needs help to have her first calf, it is the farmer who rushes to the scene to do everything possible to save mama and baby. Farming isn’t easy. But, farmers are people with hearts that love the farm, the livestock, the land. And, they are people with minds to make decisions that protect their hearts by doing what’s best for the livestock and the land.

Farms and farmers aren’t perfect. Like great parents with their kids, farmers must make decisions based on what they believe is best. Sometimes they learn they could have done it differently or better and work to apply those learnings in the future – just like parents. Farmers pursue better ways to care for the livestock and the land and produce food for people to enjoy.

Bear Grove Family Farms is truly a family operation. Daniel handles the logistics of scheduling beef to be ready for customers and shares marketing it with his wife, Robin. Their kids get involved, too. In fact, Mary, qualified for the regional technology fair by creating a website and YouTube videos focused on educating people about farms by debunking common misconceptions about farms and cattle.

For the Bear Grove Beef business, Dwayne manages the cattle production. Their father, Don, is involved with helping make good production decisions. The kids work with the cattle, too.

“The only surefire way to get all the Faidleys together is to meet at a cattle show,” says Daniel. “Getting together with family is one of the main reasons I choose to show cattle now. Our sister, Diana, and our mother, Dorothy, often help make sure Bear Grove Beef is represented professionally. I enjoy the competition, but I remind myself and our kids that it’s a very subjective situation. One person decides 100 percent of the outcome of the show. Getting too wound up about winning is a recipe for disappointment.”

Whether they’re prepping cattle to make a great impression in the show ring or preparing to deliver beef to customers, the Faidleys understand the importance of presentation.

“Robin is amazing at thinking about beef products from a mother’s perspective. She bridges the understanding of how the animals are raised for the typical consumer, who hears a lot of noise about food production but who doesn’t know what’s real and what’s rhetoric,” says Daniel. “Robin also makes things look pretty. When we sell beef, we like to present it in a way a consumer would find appealing. Robin has a green thumb, which allows us to deliver beef with some extras in the presentation like some flowers or herbs she grew. We’re a small farming operation and we put our hearts into every steak we sell. Robin’s touch really demonstrates that.”

To help promote the delicious beef they produce, today Daniel is sharing one of his family’s favorite recipes for marinated flank steak. Flank steak is a quick-cooking, flavorful cut of meat. When sliced correctly on the diagonal, the pieces of steak are tender and attractive.

COOK’S TIP: Like many great farm cooks, Daniel and Robin Faidley cook from scratch. Daniel’s philosophy on cooking beef is “don’t use a recipe and don’t overcook the meat.” He shared with me the steps he takes to prepare grilled steak.  I find Daniel’s “honesty” refreshingly funny. I’ve been known to thaw meat in the microwave because I didn’t plan far enough ahead. I have no doubt that you could sit down at his table and be treated to the most delicious steak dinner, and I’m just as confident that I couldn’t pull it off without being given exact measurements. 🙂 I’m analytical enough that one of my favorite gifts is a set measuring spoons I received that are labeled “dash, smidgen and pinch.”

Click here for more tips on how to score and grill flank steak.

Also be sure to check out the many delicious recipes available online from the Iowa Beef Council, including:

• Garden Grill Tri-Tip
• Braised-Brisket Street-Style Tacos
• Beef Steaks with Sweet Soy Drizzle

Just as some people are interested in learning about each branch of their family tree, cattle producers who sell breeding stock know the lineage of each animal they’re either selling or buying. Zachary Greiman, who farms in North Central Iowa, says his family can trace the beginnings of their Angus beef cattle to the late 1800s.

“My great great grandpa Fred Greiman emigrated from Germany and eventually settled in Garner,” says Zach. “He sent cattle by rail to markets in cities like Chicago. While accompanying a load of Shorthorn steers to market one day in 1893, he saw a display of Angus bulls.”

The opening bid for an Angus yearling bull went for more than Fred’s whole rail car full of cattle brought! He didn’t purchase one that day, but he was determined to own an Angus bull. Three years later Fred was in the co-op elevator when he saw a poster advertising a South Dakota farmer was interested in trading a Percheron stallion for an Angus bull.

The two farmers corresponded by mail. After some months, they agreed to exchange animals. Fred placed his prize-winning Percheron stud on a railcar and eagerly awaited the arrival of his Angus bull. When the bull finally arrived, it wasn’t what Fred had expected. He had traded an 1800-pound stallion for a 400-pound Angus bull!

“The neighbors laughed at the trade until Fred’s Angus cross calves started topping the Chicago market,” says Zach. “We still have the crate that bull was shipped in, and it’s a great reminder that perseverance pays.”

Who would have guessed that bull would become the foundation for one of Iowa’s oldest and longest continuing Black Angus herds? Upon Fred’s retirement, his son Addis took over the herd. Then Addis’ sons, Cliff and Don, formed Greiman Angus Farms. Greiman Angus Farms was then purchased by Cliff’s son, Cory, and Don’s son, Ted.

Ted remained strictly Angus while Cory diversified. He kept the registered Angus base but crossed those cows with other breeds to increase his customer base. That’s a philosophy that his son, Zach, shares.

“I really don’t care about color or breed.  I just like a good one,” says Zach, who raises cattle in partnership with his dad. “We focus on breeding females. The majority of our herd is Angus and Simmentals. We also have Chianina, Maintainers, Red Angus, Lim-Flex, Simmental, Foundation Simmis. Most of our cattle are registered, but we have a handful of crossbred cows.”

Although they sell more breed cattle than club calves, Zach says he really enjoys the club calf side of the business. His dad started raising club calves in high

school, so Cory had developed a pretty good market by the time he attended college. When Cory and Sis got married upon graduating from Iowa State, selling cattle was their main source of income. They held an annual club calf sale for years on their farm.

“My sister and I both started showing cattle when we were five.  We got the tamest feeder calves or a very quiet cow calf pair,” says Zach, who explains that as they got older, he

and Morgan entered other livestock projects at the Iowa State Fair through 4-H and FFA. “My sister showed a horse at the state fair. We both showed pigs and cattle. Our family members, including Uncle Don and Aunt Yvonne, would always be in the stands watching us.  I hope I make him proud continuing the family tradition of showing and raising cattle.”

Some people would feel like they had big shoes to fill. Jealously would tear other families and friends apart, but it’s obvious that Zach has a great deal of respect for his family members, as well as for the families with whom he’s shown cattle for years.

The Family Tree Branches Out

“Great Great Grandpa Fred and Great Great Grandma Deana had 14 kids.  When they got married he gave them each a quarter section of ground with the opportunity to buy an additional 80 acres. Most of them stayed in the area and live around me,” says Zach. “People are surprised to learn just how well our extended family gets along. Some of my best friends are my cousins. Kyle and Cole Greiman are my first cousins, and for the longest time, many people thought we were brothers. The four of us have spent a majority of our time together as we live only one mile apart, share the same interests and are very close in age.”

Traveling to cattle shows was so much fun, adds Zach. The Jass families (Courtney, Kerstin, Chase, and Trey), the Weavers (Brittany, Kelly, Rachelle), the Andersons (Derick, Mara, Kylee, Jalynn), and the Greimans (Zach, Morgan, Kyle, Cole, Grace, Shelby, Jacob) were all cousins. Although the Tushas and Nedveds are also from Garner and showed with this group in the later years, they aren’t related.

“We all stalled together, stayed at the same motels, helped each other out, had fun and showed together,” says Zach. “For the most part, we all showed a different breed of heifers or steers.  Usually one of us won something, which gave us all reason to celebrate.  At one winter Beef Expo Junior Show, the kids from Garner had six of the breed champions in the final lineup.”

“We also did a lot of 4-H and FFA livestock judging,” adds Zach. “Morgan, Brittany, Kyle, and Courtney were the senior team. Cole, Chase, me, sometimes Trey or another friend, Josh Christians, were the junior team.  We won lots of contests. The senior team won trips to Indianapolis, Kansas City and Denver. To this day, we still hang out and help each other.”

Like many kids interested in livestock projects, Zach was a Clover Bud until he was old enough to join 4-H. Then he joined FFA in high school. Zach also belonged to the Angus, Limousin, Maine, Chianina, Red Angus, and Simmental Associations. He belonged to the Iowa Junior Beef Breeds Association, too. He served as an officer in several of these organizations, met many good friends, competed in an array of contests, and traveled nationwide to attend meetings and shows.

Networking by meeting new people, providing oral reasons at a livestock show and attending meetings is second nature. “It’s what I‘ve done all my life so it doesn’t seem like going work,” says Zach, who continues to spend his summers traveling the show circuit. He fits cattle for others, plus he judges a fair amount of cattle shows. In addition, Zach sells Latham® brand seed like father and grandfather before him.

“Both businesses complement each other,” says Zach. “Last weekend, for example, I was judging a cattle show. In my bio, they announced that I was a Latham® Seed dealer. People came up to me after the show to talk about seed. Latham has great products, and the alfalfa line up is fabulous. When cattle friends ask about what we feed and what would work for them, I’m happy to recommend Latham products.”

Raising and selling cattle is certainly Zach’s passion. He says he also enjoys eating, so while he was attending Iowa State University where he graduated last May, Zach honed his cooking skills. Of course, he prefers meals made with beef. Today he’s sharing with us two of his family favorite recipes.