Beef Today Editors

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm is declaring Saturday "Michigan Meatout Day" and that has farmers and hunters fuming.

The proclamation, which followed lobbying from vegetarian groups, highlighted the health benefits of a vegetarian diet and encouraged "the residents of this state to choose not to eat meat" on Saturday.

"Governor Granholm's proclamation to recognize March 20 as 'Michigan Meatout Day' is unconscionable and an insensitive slap in the face to Michigan's livestock and dairy farmers, not to mention Michigan's meat-eating residents," said Wayne Wood, president of the Michigan Farm Bureau.

"It'd be one thing if Granholm proclaimed a day to promote increased consumption of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. But the Governor clearly crossed the line in recklessly singling out meat products for non-consumption and belittling this wholesome source of protein when, in fact, the USDA Food Pyramid Guide, our country's most respected dietary guideline, recommends 2-3 servings of lean meat per day depending on your age.,'" said Wayne Wood, president of the Michigan Farm Bureau.

Click here to read the governor's proclamation.

The fallout from this campaign has made its way into the social media realm with a Facebook page-- Stop Michigan Meatout Day - Eat Meat!!! The page already has over 3,100 fans and you can find it  by clicking here.