Columbia, Mo.- Missouri Director of Agriculture, Chris Chinn, on behalf of Governor Eric R. Greitens, proclaimed May as Beef Month on Friday, May 4, 2018 during a proclamation ceremony held at Mt. Vernon Elementary School. Missouri cattlemen and women, along with representatives from the Mt. Vernon school, FFA and community were in attendance for the ceremony.
"May is Beef Month" is celebrated nationwide in various states, including Missouri. The official proclamation was made to recognize the dedication and hard work of Missouri cattle producers, as well as the safe, wholesome beef they produce for consumers in Missouri, the United States, and globally.
Missouri beef producers are a driving force in the state's economy with a herd of 4 million head of cattle on more than 50,000 farms and ranches, encompassing nearly 10 million acres. Missouri's cattle industry contributed more than $3.3 billion dollars in sales in 2016 to the state's economy, creating more than 40,000 jobs.
In addition to the economic benefit beef provides to the state, beef has an important role at the dinner table providing the fuel consumers need to live a healthy and active lifestyle. A three ounce serving of beef provides 10% or more of 10 essential nutrients for less than 10% of the daily value for calories. More specifically, a three ounce serving of beef contains nearly 50% of the daily value for protein, which is important in building and repairing muscle.
"It was an honor to help kick off beef month today with some of Missouri's beef cattle ranchers and area elementary school students. We all interact with items that come from beef cows, and Missouri farms, every single day, which is why we bring special attention to the beef industry during the month of May." said Director Chris Chinn.
To celebrate the official kickoff to "May is Beef Month", second grade students and teachers at Mt. Vernon Elementary School were invited to "Cattle Chat", hosted by the Missouri Beef Industry Council immediately following the proclamation. Cattle Chat included presentations on beef by-products, beef nutrition, animal nutrition, and the opportunity to visit with a beef producer and his cattle.
To learn more about the beef industry in Missouri, or to explore recipes and cooking information, visit www.mobeef.org or follow @beefcouncil on social media.
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