By Jennifer Dorsett
Field Editor
It may be the shortest month of the year, but February holds its own when it comes to holidays. Of special significance to Texas agriculture is the celebration of Lamb Lovers Month.
That’s because Texas has the largest sheep and lamb inventory in the U.S., with an estimated 730,000 head being raised across the Lone Star State.
The American Lamb Checkoff-funded promotion is designed to showcase the versatility of American lamb, according to a press release from the organization.
“Lamb Lovers Month is a special time for our industry, and a long-standing promotion tradition. It’s a great time for a reminder that American lamb is perfect for any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day,” Gwen Kitzan, American Lamb Board (ALB) chair, said.
The 2021 Lamb Lovers Month campaign includes social media promotions and a special spotlight on cooking lamb at home, because dining out may not be an option this year for Valentine’s Day.
Social media promotions include weekly prize drawings for consumers on Facebook and Instagram. Sponsored social media posts across a variety of platforms will promote contests.
ALB also partnered with food bloggers to deliver date night recipe ideas to an audience of more than 3 million consumers. New restaurant-quality recipes coming this month include air fryer lamb chops, lamb wellington, chocolate lamb chili and lamb poutine.
During the contests, four people will win $100 worth of American lamb shipped directly to their door, plus an American wool blanket from the historic Faribault Woolen Mill Company.
Consumers who wish to learn more about how to cook lamb or want to find recipes can visit American Lamb online.
More information on American lamb and general promotional toolkits for use in consumer and foodservice settings are available at the American Lamb Resource Center.
For information and campaign promotional resources for Lamb Lovers Month, contact Rae Villa at Rae@AmericanLamb.com.