Labor Day another beef opportunity

The last big barbecue of summer occurs over the Labor Day weekend. Some of us brush the snow off the grill and use it year around, but many will put the grill away in the garage until next summer, after the big Labor Day bash.

And what will be on most people's Labor Day grill? Beef, by an overwhelming margin. There may be a few pork brats or ribs on a corner of the grill, but steaks or hamburgers have the center. A few folks barbecue chicken or fish, but it takes special handling and does not absorb the smoke and flavor like red meat.

The beef industry counts on holidays each year, and makes them an integral part of the annual promotion campaign. Beef for Father's Day, Prime Rib for Christmas, grilling cuts on summer holidays Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day. Wholesale and retail beef clearance is heaviest on these events, and the sales numbers prove the industry's wisdom in its holiday promotional emphasis.

Feedlots get more cattle ready a few weeks before these holidays, as packers increase slaughter rates in anticipation of big holiday beef sales. Supermarkets clear more room in the meatcase, to increase the beef offerings at holidays. The trend is well known, and percolates throughout the business.

Enjoy three days off this coming weekend. But be secure in the knowledge that an industry has worked hard to make your celebration possible--and in fact, counts on it.