"This is my neighborhood. For the past 30 years, I have driven these kids all over this country on the activity bus. When Geri told me they feed up to 80 kids a day here, and up to 20 over at Ashland, I had to do something," noted Hugh Broadus, the donor of the cow. "It breaks my heart that kids go to bed hungry-right here in my backyard. Donating an old cow is the least I can do."

The goal of the Beef-on-Every-Plate program is to process the beef from 100 cows into one-pound packages of hamburger that will be distributed to food banks throughout Montana. To accomplish this, the MCA Foundation has turned to cattle producers to donate butcher animals. "We have a full pipeline of animals for the program," continued Broadus. "Folks have stepped up to the plate and pledged their support, but the money for processing costs is trickling in very slowly. I would like to thank the Butcher Block in Miles City who donated their time in processing this beef."

To help pay the processing costs, approximately $350 per animal, we are asking folks in the community to make monetary contributions to the program. The MCA Foundation is a tax-exempt non-profit corporation, so all donations are fully tax deductible as a charitable expense. To make a contribution, please contact the MCA office at (406) 259-5433.

To listen to MCA Animal ID Chairman Hugh Broadus and Geri Small, the Chief Professional Officer of the Lame Deer Boys and Girls Club, speak about the Beef-on-Every-Plate program, please visit the Cattlemen's Minute at www.montanacattlemen.org

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