Members of the Baldwin family gathered at their barn in Ocala, Fla., the first of 40 across the nation to be painted with the Certified Angus Beef ® brand’s logo. The family’s patriarch, the late Leroy Baldwin, once served on the brand’s board of directorsDotted across the countryside from coast to coast, few symbols represent vintage Americana like a heritage barn. The barn is where farm life is centered from generation to generation and, oftentimes, celebrations held. Each barn has a unique story, much like the Certified Angus Beef ® brand and its family farmers and ranchers.
In 2018, the brand is celebrating 40 years of bringing the best Angus beef to consumers. The brand’s familiar logo will be painted on 40 barns across America, an old-school marketing approach that’s a tip of the hat to the farmers and ranchers who created the brand in 1978 and lead it today.
The first barn was painted the week of Jan. 15 in Ocala, Fla., at Baldwin Angus Ranch, which is located along the well-traveled I-75. Painting takes 2-3 days at each barn site. During the painting, celebrations are also planned onsite with the ranchers, brand partners and community leaders, like in Ocala where local favorite Sonny’s BBQ served a smoked brisket lunch.
Sharon and Leroy Baldwin built a life and livelihood on 600 acres. They raised a renowned Angus herd and three children on the ranch. Leroy passed away in 2016, but Sharon said he was still very much a part of the barn painting.
“I know my honey is smiling down from heaven today,” she said. “It would be such an honor for him to see this happening!”
To learn more about the 40 barns and 40 families, visit CertifiedAngusBeef.com/brandthebarn
