More than 400 people enjoyed a free breakfast and great conversation Saturday, October 14th at a Consumer Appreciation Tailgate Party in Lincoln.
The event, called the “Game Zone Nebraska Farmers and Ranchers Tailgate Party”, took place at the Super Saver on 27th and Pine Lake in Lincoln. It was sponsored by Nebraska’s agriculture organizations to show their appreciation to the consumers who enjoy the food that they grow. Consumers were able to visit with farmers and ranchers from all across the state, including producers of beef, pork, poultry, dairy, corn, soy, wheat, sorghum, grapes and hops.
(Photo at right: Governor Pete Ricketts, America’s Pig Farmer of the YearSM Leslie McCuiston and Terry O’Neel, President of the National Pork Producers Board, hold the Proclamation to name October in Nebraska Pork Month.)
Governor Pete Ricketts stopped by the event to proclaim October as Pork Month in Nebraska. He was joined by Nebraska pig farmers, Terry O’Neel, President of the National Pork Board, and Leslie McCuiston, who has recently been named America’s Pig Farmer of the YearSM.
“The tailgate party was a great way to bring Nebraska’s food producers and food consumers together for an enjoyable breakfast and great conversation. Thanks to our sponsors and everyone who tailgated with us for making this a great event.” said Kristen Hassebrook, executive director of the (AFAN) Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska.
Tailgate party goers found the event tasty and informative. “I had a good time at the Nebraska Farmer’s and Rancher’s tailgate,” said Kay Wunderlich, a happy tailgater. “The food was delicious and I enjoyed visiting with the farmers about their operations. There is always something to learn. It was informative and it is always fun to the see the Governor.”
(Tailgater Wendy Sanchez won the drawing for the grand prize, a gift basket containing a $50 gift card Super Saver, several cook books, cooler bag, wine glasses and many other items from the sponsors.)
Sponsors agreed the event was successful in bringing producers and consumers together for a useful exchange of viewpoints.
“Nebraskans love tailgating during football season, and they love good food,” said Marty Jarvis, marketing director for B&R Stores. “Our Nebraska-based company works hard to connect our customers with local food producers, so this party was a great way for them to have a conversation about where their food comes from.”
Tailgate Party sponsors included: AFAN; CommonGround Nebraska; Midwest Dairy Association; Nebraska Corn Board; Nebraska Cattlewomen Association; Nebraska Department of Agriculture; Nebraska Farm Bureau; Nebraska Pork Producers Association; Nebraska Poultry Industries; Nebraska Soybean Board; Nebraska Wheat Board; Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board, Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association, Nebraska Craft Brewers Guild, Nebraska Hop Growers Association; and Super Saver.
About The Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska: AFAN is a non-profit organization formed by leading agricultural membership groups with the support of other membership groups, commodity organizations, and private business. AFAN works with individual producers and communities across Nebraska to encourage the development of environmentally responsible and economically viable livestock production in the state.
