What's the Beef? MBC Board Chairman: Mark Malecek
My travels for this week led me again not far from my family’s farm. I traveled about 20 miles north to Minnesota Beef Council Board Chair, Mark Malecek.
When I arrived to Mark’s I was given a tour and of course was able to meet one of my favorite things about the farm…the farm dog.
Mark Malecek's farm dog.
Mark grew up in Morgan, MN and had the opportunity to buy his current farm place through his dad in 1979.
From that point on he has grown from renting more land, purchasing more land, and growing the feedlot.
Mark says, “The focus now is buying calves in the fall leaving our lots empty during the summer months. Giving us extra time to do things, like spending time with family.”
"The focus now is buying calves in the fall leaving our lots empty during the summer months. Giving us extra time to do things, like spending time with family."
Mark primarily raises Angus and Angus/Hereford cattle. They are fed a TMR (total mixed ration) that includes; corn silage, tub ground hay, liquid protein, cracked corn, and wet distillers.
It isn’t hard to tell when talking to Mark that he easily offers a positive perspective about the overall negativity of the Covid-19 situation. Mark says, “I always think no matter what the situation there something is always good that can come out of it.”
"I always think no matter what the situation there something is always good that can come out of it."
Mark also says, "It opened up people's eyes to how close we are from having food in the grocery store and not having food in the grocery store."
I think sometimes we take the small things for granted like going to the grocery stores and having shelves full of food.
If there is one thing the Mark wants consumers to know about our product is that, “We are raising and selling American produced beef and they can be assured that it’s highly nutritious and a safe product.”
"I’m proud to be a Minnesota beef farmer because we are raising a quality product, using quality feedstuffs, and using the best husbandry."
Beef
I was finally able to eat a burger this week and dine out at a restaurant. After the interview, Mark took me to a fan favorite, "Chumly's Burger and Brew" in Redwood Falls, MN.
Chumly's Burger and Brew
Now from the outside this looks like your average bar and grill- but what their menu packs is worth the stop.
There is nothing I love more in the summer than a good burger. Lucky for me, Chumly’s is known for their “Original Chumly Burger”. So, naturally I had to order! Included with a ½ lb. burger topped with lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, and American cheese. I also had to get a side of mayo because my burgers just aren’t complete without the mayo.
Original Chumly Burger from Chumly's.
I can’t say enough good about this burger. The burger was full of flavor and the toppings complimented the burger well. If you are a fan of simple burgers than this is the burger for you- a simple burger packed with a ton of flavor!
That wraps it up for this week’s stop. Make sure to follow along to see where I stop next week!
Makenna
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