To all those cattle producers out there…thank you for all your hard work and dedication!  Most people do not realize the amount of risk, blood, sweat and tears that you pour into the steak that I enjoyed last night. 

The American consumer is privileged to have such a commitment behind its food supply.  Last night I went to a new steak house here in my home town.  The restaurant was completely packed with people eating good old corn feed beef.  As I sat there and ate my juicy 18 ounce NY strip, I couldn’t help but look around and admire the end product of our great industry.  It never failed, as soon as the waitress brought a tray full of sizzling steaks to a table, every customer at the table immediately had a smile on their face.  It was very satisfying to know that all the hours I spent raising my calves, all the nights I pulled calves and all the bruises I incurred working cattle resulted in the final consumer fully enjoying my product.  I will tell you, there was a sense of pride in knowing that I had a small part in making the family next to me enjoying a night out on the town.