This article was originally posted on the Agriculture Proud blog by Ryan Goodman. CLICK HERE to read the original article.
In the world of running and fitness, challenges are king as obstacle courses and overnight-relay races have gained popularity in recent years by fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers. Montana ranchers are taking part in the fun and using this scene as an opportunity to advocate for beef as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
This year’s course took the team along iconic sights of the northwest Washington coast. Right from the start near the Canadian border, team members ran in view of the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges, Deception Pass and the Puget Sound. The team ran through the night and completed the race on Whidbey Island northwest of Seattle.
The Montana Running Ranchers Relay team consists of members from the state’s ranching community, participating in large relay events outside the state and connecting with beef consumers from across the country. During previous years, the team has traveled to events in Colorado, Napa Valley and the Hood to Coast event in Oregon.
The race events provide an opportunity for Montana Running Ranchers to connect with others who have similar interests in health and fitness. The teams vans were decorated in Team Beef logos and brands from area ranches who sponsored the trip. These brands (and steaks) do not go unnoticed by event participants, which often leads to opportunities to answer several questions about beef as part of a healthy diet, Montana’s ranchers and the cattle industry.
[EasyDNNGallery|2324|Width|300|Height|300|position|left|resizecrop|False|lightbox|False|title|False|description|True|redirection|False|LinkText||]The team certainly appreciates support of local businesses and Montana ranchers who contribute to the opportunity for this advocacy effort. High Country Snack Foods supplied beef jerky and pemmican for the team to share with runners along the course. A special thank you to Western Ag Reporter for helping promote the team throughout the year.
Be sure to follow Montana Running Ranchers team members throughout the year as they compete in running events across the state and continue sharing their experiences with runners from outside the agriculture community. Follow the team throughout the year by joining the “Montana Running Ranchers/ Team Beef Montana” group on Facebook.
To learn more about joining Team Beef Montana, a consumer outreach program of the Montana Beef Council, visit montanabeefcouncil.org.
2015 team sponsors include the following Montana ranches and businesses:
Montana Beef Council
Montana Farmers Union
Montana Land Reliance
Western Ag Reporter
Silveus Insurance Group
Stockgrowers
U.S. Cattlemens
Dick and Cathy Holzer
Rance Gerdes
Indian Creek Ranch
Mick & Earline Gaettle
Jerry Jones
Earl & Glenda Stucky
Deegan Ranch
Walborn Cattle Co.
Neal & Janice Woldstad
John & Jeanne Mohr
Redland Red Angus
Sharon Livingston
Linda Grosskropf
Ehlke Herefords
Ginger Silvers
Mike & Debbie Hammond
3C Cattle Company – Chad and Lacey Sutherlin
Source: Reposted with permission by Ryan Goodman
