Archives On The Air 234: Where’s the Beef? — American National Cattlewomen Records

By Wyoming Public Media

Published December 9, 2020 at 10:08 PM MST

1 of 8

Promotional Photo distributed by the CowBelles to encourage beef consumption. Box 158, American National Cattlewomen Records, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

2 of 8

Promotional Photo distributed by the CowBelles to encourage beef consumption. Box 158, American National Cattlewomen Records, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

3 of 8

Cartoon promoting beef eating. Box 158. American National Cattlewomen Records, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

4 of 8

Cartoon promoting beef eating. Box 158. American National Cattlewomen Records, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

5 of 8

The Camden Family were the first-place winners of the CowBelles' National Beef Cook-Off, 1974. Box 168, American National Cattlewomen Records, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

6 of 8

The Camden Family were the first-place winners of the CowBelles' National Beef Cook-Off, 1974. Box 168, American National Cattlewomen Records, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

7 of 8

Program for the 6th National Beef Cook-Off, Sponsored by the CowBelles, September 26, 1979. Box 186, American National Cattlewomen Records, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

8 of 8

Program for the 6th National Beef Cook-Off, Sponsored by the CowBelles, September 26, 1979. Box 186, American National Cattlewomen Records, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

The CowBelles started as a social group for the wives of cattlemen. Soon statewide chapters formed. Wyoming founded the first state CowBelles organization in 1940.

The American National CowBelles incorporated with the goal of increasing demand for beef across the United States. They conducted beef cooking demonstrations in supermarkets and marketing campaigns. Chapters of the CowBelles collected and distributed recipes. Creative cooks submitted recipes like Beef Nut Bread and Beef Brownies.

The CowBelles sponsored a "Beef for Father's Day" campaign which was launched by the club president from Sheridan, Wyoming.

Local cooking competitions were held. In 1974 cooks gathered for the first "National Beef Cook-Off".

Learn more about the CowBelles and cooking with beef in the American National Cattlewomen Records at UW's American Heritage Center.