Today, Gov. Sam Brownback signed a proclamation declaring May as Kansas Beef Month. As the weather warms and grills are once again on patios and porches, May signals the season of steaks and burgers.
Kansas is widely recognized as a center of high quality beef cattle, ranking third in the United States in total herd size in 2013. Ranchers protect and preserve our natural resources while raising 6 million safe, nutritious and wholesome beef cattle on Kansas ranches and feed yards each year. Beef provides 10 percent of 10 essential nutrients to human health, including zinc, iron, protein and B vitamins, all in less than 10 percent of the daily calorie intake recommended. The state’s economy also benefits from the beef industry, which contributes nearly $9.1 billion, annually, supporting more than 37,000 jobs. In 2012, $639 million in beef and veal was exported from Kansas internationally, the third highest beef export value in the U.S.
"The Kansas beef industry has contributed both historic and economic value to our state. It provides nutrition for our families gathering around the table and for many beyond our state’s borders. The beef industry has made our great state what it is today," said Gov. Brownback.
The Kansas Beef Council, Kansas Livestock Association and the Kansas Cattlewomen, in cooperation with the state’s livestock and meat industry are sponsoring beef celebrations across the state during the month of May.
Source: Kansas Department of Agriculture