Hamburgers or Filets? It’s a question that many are asking as the weather warms and people begin firing up their grills. Perfect timing because May is National Beef Month! This unique celebration, which began more than 40 years ago, honors the cattle producers and food marketers who produce and bring to the marketplace high quality and nutritious beef.

According to the latest agriculture census numbers, Kentucky has more than 39,500 beef-cow farms with more than 2.1 million head of cattle. Receipts from the sale of cattle and calves topped $693 million in 2007.

“Clearly, the beef cattle industry is important to Kentucky, ranking third largest among agriculture commodities in the state,” said Charles M. Parker, Financial Services Officer, with Farm Credit Services of Mid-America in Russellville.

It seems fitting that during this month, Farm Credit is celebrating National Beef Month by inviting customers to stop by the closest office to register for a barbecue grill set. Also, visitors may go online to the organization’s website – www.e-farmcredit.com – starting in May to register for a chance to win in the “Apron a Day in May” contest.

The Russellville Farm Credit Services office will also be giving away a grill, two more barbecue grill sets and a gift card.

Shelley Head, Farm Credit Services Customer Service Representative, added that there’s no better way to let our local cattle producers know they are appreciated than by enjoying delicious beef products this spring. “Join this great American tradition and help us celebrate beef month!”