JOHN DAY A Beef to Schools program would provide quality meals for students with beef grown by local ranchers, says OSU Extension Service agriculture agent Gary Delaney.

Delaney along with Grant School District 3 Superintendent Mark Witty and school board chair Gordon Larson recently presented the idea at a Grant County Farm Bureau meeting.

The program, which Delaney hopes can begin by next school year, would use donations of healthy culled cows by area producers. While any donations would be appreciated, he said a goal of 15-20 animals a year in the county could give every school a shot.

Ranchers would receive a tax write-off for the meat and would not pay for the cut and wrap which is required to be done at a USDA-approved processing plant. The nearest facility is Butcher Boys in Prineville, and another option could be Gem Pack in Boise, Idaho, Delaney said.

Witty said similar programs are operating successfully in the Malheur and Baker county schools. He added that District 3 is already trying to buy more local foods.

However, the hamburger patties served in the district contain soy products, Delaney noted.

Hearing that really depressed me, he said.

Beef to Schools not only would provide 100 percent beef products to students, but would be an opportunity to educate students about ranching and where the meat in their lunches comes from. Names of ranchers providing the meat could also be announced to the students, he said.

Rancher Pat Holliday, attending the meeting, said, No one would want to donate an animal to get credit, but its good to mention the growers name.

Jeff Thomas of Thomas Orchards in Kimberly agreed, saying that sharing the names of the beef producers would be great for the students and the ranchers.

The 20 people attending the Farm Bureau meeting were supportive of the idea.

Delaney said hes willing to run the program though his OSU Extension office in John Day.

I would be happy to be coordinator, he said.

Supporters will discuss the program with Grant County school superintendents to see how many other school districts would be interested.

One hurdle to overcome would be finding storage for the meat.

Ranchers interested in participating in the program can reach Delaney at 541-575-1911.