The Beefmobiles, vans emblazoned with visions of juicy steaks and burgers, embarked on the project’s fifth tour of the United States this January with the mission of delivering information to beef and dairy producers about how their beef checkoff dollars are being used.

Created to provide information about beef and the checkoff’s $1-per-head assessment to producers and consumers, the Beefmobile program has made almost 600 stops since its first stop in January 2004. In 2008, the three Beefmobiles and their “Wranglers” will make 200 stops to include livestock auction markets, country music festivals, and rodeos across the country. At each location, the Beefmobiles and their Wranglers provide information – and solicit input – from cattlemen about the Beef Checkoff Program.

Jodee Inman of Bloomington, Ind., joins returning Beefmobile team members Tracey Orsburn of Harrison, Neb., and Stacy Loutzenhiser of Flagler, Colo., as a new wrangler.

Inman has worked in the cattle industry as a producer and staff for several marketing establishments throughout her high school and college career, as well as an auctioneer for eight years. She served as a liaison between auctioneers and cattle buyers at Owen-Monroe Feeder Auction Association in Spencer, Ind., White River Valley Feeder Auction Association in Worthington, Ind., and for United Producers, Inc. at their Scottsburg and Vincennes, Ind., markets. Inman has a management degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Ind.; and she is also a graduate of the Missouri Auction School in St. Joseph, Mo.

Inman said her interest in the Beefmobile project was sparked during its inaugural run in 2004.

“It’s a great opportunity as a representative from the Midwest to experience the vastness of the producers and operations throughout the country and to be able to act as a voice for them when it comes to their input, feedback and questions about the Checkoff,” Inman said. “The Checkoff is an integral part of the industry and I’m honored to be a link in the chain of communication between the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and producers.”