By Scout Nelson
Recently, surrounded by members of the cattle community, Governor Laura Kelly officially declared May as Beef Month in Kansas. This special month is set to celebrate the substantial impact that the beef industry has on the state’s environmental health, economy, and nutritional status of its residents.
The beef sector is a major economic driver in Kansas, contributing directly more than $11 billion to the local economy. Employment in this sector is robust, with nearly 20,000 Kansans working in ranching and cattle feeding, and an additional 46,000 in the meatpacking and prepared meat manufacturing industries.
Kansas is a national leader in the cattle industry, ranking third in the country with 6.2 million cattle and calves housed in its ranches and feedyards. The state holds a top position in red meat production nationwide, producing over 6 billion pounds of beef.
The designation of May as Beef Month serves not only as a recognition of the beef industry's economic contributions but also emphasizes the crucial role this sector plays in providing high-quality nutrition and sustaining the agricultural heritage of Kansas. Governor Kelly’s declaration is a celebration of the hard work and dedication of the Kansans who make the state a leader in beef production.
Photo Credit -gettyimages-luoman
Categories: Kansas, Business, Government & Policy, Livestock, Beef Cattle