(Lincoln, Neb.) Photo Gallery - Gov. Dave Heineman and Husker Athletic Director Tom Osborne today joined the Nebraska Cattlemen in presenting the People’s City Mission of Lincoln with 400 pounds of Nebraska beef.

The event follows a friendly wager between the Nebraska and South Carolina Governors on the outcome of last week’s Gator Bowl where the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Cornhuskers beat the Clemson University Tigers 26 to 21 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Governors agreed that food donations would be made to homeless shelters in both states’ capital cities in the name of Governor representing the winning team.

“I am really proud of the Huskers,” Gov. Heineman said. “I want to thank the Nebraska Cattlemen for their generous donation. It’s a privilege to live in a state where groups like this are willing to share the high-quality products they produce with those in need.”

Larry Smith, Nebraska Cattlemen Past President, said, “We often say that beef gives strength. Just look at what the Huskers did to the Clemson Tigers. Regarding teamwork, we are proud to work with Governor Heineman and Pastor Tom in providing some Nebraska beef to our fellow citizens at the People's City Mission.

Osborne said, “This is one wager that everyone can support because it’s friendly, and it’s compassionate. Any outcome that helps people in genuine need deserves recognition.”

Next week in South Carolina, Gov. Mark Sanford and the state Department of Agriculture’s “S.C. Grown” campaign will donate a variety of agricultural products to the Harvest Hope Food Bank in the capital city of Columbia in Gov. Heineman’s name.

Pastor Tom Barber, Executive Director of the People’s City Mission, said, “This donation of beef will mean a lot to many of the homeless in Lincoln. It will provide a number of great meals for more than 350 men, women and children staying here. And great meals are very important to those in need. They provide much needed nourishment but also hope for better days.”

Nebraska has gained an international reputation as the “Beef State.” One of every five steaks and hamburgers in the U.S. was produced in Nebraska. Three of the top beef cow counties in the U.S. are in Nebraska, including the nation’s top cow county, Cherry County, with nearly 166,000 cows. Nebraska produces more beef per square mile than any other state.