Corey Hill took his message of support for Alabama farmers to the grill Tuesday, kicking off his Eat Alabama Beef Tour in Cullman.
The Republican nominee for Alabama commissioner of agriculture and industries announced the tour to encourage Alabamians to make beef raised in their home state a regular part of their meals.
The kickoff was held at Festhalle Market Platz, where supporters grilled and distributed 100 hamburgers made with Alabama ground beef.
“Alabama farmers raise some of the best beef in the nation,” Hill said. “We have cattle farmers who provide beef for local grocery stores and others who sell directly to the consumer. I want to make sure Alabamians know that Alabama raised beef is not just an option for them, it is the best option.”
For Hill, the message goes beyond what is on the dinner table. He wants consumers to consider the farmers behind their food and where their money goes when they buy it.
“I think once people taste a real Alabama burger they will immediately notice the difference in quality. The taste really is the best you can get,” Hill said. “The best part is when you buy Alabama beef, you are putting Alabama first and supporting Alabama farmers. That keeps those dollars in our economy here in the state. It keeps our food local and, as we all know, that is incredibly important.”
“It was a beautiful day in Cullman and we had people from all walks of life come and enjoy a burger with us. This gave us the opportunity to talk to people about why Alabama beef is their best option. This is how you make things happen. You don’t just talk about it. You actually do it.”
The kickoff took place during Alabama Beef Month. According to the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, Gov. Kay Ivey proclaimed October as Beef Month, marking 62 years of statewide beef promotion. County chapters and association staff are celebrating with steak sandwich sales, classroom visits and other activities.
Hill is a fourth-generation cattle and poultry farmer from Douglas in Marshall County, where he has served as mayor since 2012 and operates a grocery store.
His campaign recently drew support from another Alabama farming family. Randy and Kelly Owen hosted a meet-and-greet and fundraiser at Tennessee River Music Farm on Lookout Mountain, alongside their daughter and son-in-law, Randa and John Starnes.
The family runs a registered Hereford and Angus cattle operation and described the gathering as “working farmers supporting a working farmer.” More than 100 supporters attended.
“Corey Hill is a guy we can get behind,” the Owen family told Yellowhammer News.
“His family’s roots run deep in production ag. It’s very vital that we have someone in office who understands the issues that we continue to face all throughout the segment of ag.”
Hill faces Democrat Ron Sparks, who held the agriculture commissioner’s office from 2003 to 2011, in the Nov. 3 general election.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
