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Michigan | LANSING, April 9, 2009 - Residents across Michigan are invited to participate in a contest to name the most famous farm animal in Michigan-a steer whose hide bears a map of Michigan.
The contest is being sponsored by Lansing-based Farm Bureau Insurance, which owns the celebrity animal.
The steer, born on a farm near Saginaw, became a celebrity because of a natural marking that resembles the Michigan mitten. On his other side, another unique marking which resembles a large U, a reference to Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
"He's had quite a few names in his short lifetime," said Luke Schafer, public relations manager for Farm Bureau Insurance. "He's been called The Famous Michigan Steer, The Famous Michigan Bovine, and just simply 'Michigan,' but we think it's time to give him a more unique and permanent name. We're inviting any resident of Michigan to submit an entry."
The contestant with the first-place winning name will receive $250. Contestants who enter names deemed to be the second- and third-place selections will each receive $100. The winning name will be announced in early July.
Only one entry is allowed per person. The deadline for entries is May 31. Entries can be submitted online at the Farm Bureau Insurance Web site at http://www.farmbureauinsurance-mi.com. Paper entry forms are also available at local Farm Bureau Insurance agent offices.
The steer is on permanent loan to the Wolcott Mill Farm Learning Center in Macomb County, part of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, where he will be seen by thousands of visitors every year.
"Agriculture is a very important industry in Michigan and the Famous Steer helps bring attention to that fact," Schafer said. "He's good for agritourism and agricultural education."
Schafer said the animal also helps spread a message important to Farm Bureau Insurance: love of Michigan.
"We're called Michigan's Insurance Company because we are dedicated to serving only Michigan," he said. "We live and breathe Michigan and we've got Michigan under our skin, just like the Famous Michigan Steer."
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Michigan cow - pick a name
