Assembly Resolution No. 2149

BY: M. of A. Rules (Woerner)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 2024, as Beef Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, The agricultural industry is part of the foundation upon
which our distinct American heritage is built; New York State and the
entire United States are dependent on our agricultural industry for a
variety of food products; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to recognize the contributions of the
agriculture industry which substantially contributes to the economic
vitality of the communities of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2024, as Beef Month in
the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Beef Month; and

WHEREAS, Over 20% of New York's total land area or nearly seven
million acres is farmland and the Empire State is home to nearly 33,500
family farms; and

WHEREAS, Farmworkers are the backbone of New York's massive
agricultural industry and an estimated 80,000-100,000 workers labor on
New York's farms; and

WHEREAS, Cattle are an important part of New York's agricultural
landscapes with 1.4 million head of cattle on nearly 10,000 farms and
ranches across the state; and

WHEREAS, Cattle contribute more than $359 million in cash
transactions annually and are one of the top five agricultural
commodities in New York; and

WHEREAS, New York beef producers care for their cattle and the
environment by protecting natural resources on their farms and ranches;
and

WHEREAS, Hardworking farming and ranching families in New York
produce a variety of versatile and wholesome beef choices; and

WHEREAS, During the month of May, Beef Month is celebrated across
the country, highlighting farmers and ranchers, the beef cattle they
provide, the future of the beef industry and every aspect in between,
including meat processing facilities and meat markets; and

WHEREAS, New York State is also home to approximately 300 beef
processing plants; and

WHEREAS, The Meat Markets industry in New York, comprised of butcher
shops and delicatessens, is estimated at over $800M with more than 1,000
businesses, employing nearly 5,000 people; and


WHEREAS, Educating consumers about beef nutrition is also important
part of Beef Month; and

WHEREAS, Beef is an excellent source of protein and supplies 10
essential nutrients including B-vitamins, zinc, and iron that support an
active and healthy lifestyle; and

WHEREAS, Eating single three ounce serving supplies 25 grams of
protein, about 50% of the daily recommended value; and

WHEREAS, The United States remained the world's largest producer in
2023, and is now the second-largest consumer of beef in the world; and

WHEREAS, The beef industry involves thousands of American Farmers,
ranchers and processors who help keep our economy strong and food on our
tables; and

WHEREAS, Beef production is a multibillion-dollar industry in the
United States; and

WHEREAS, Beef is the second most popular meat in the US and
Americans eat an average of 57 pounds of beef each year; and

WHEREAS, The United States is fourth in the world for number of
cattle, but produces the most beef; and

WHEREAS, Celebrating Beef Month is a reminder of how important the
beef industry is to both producers and consumers in the state; and

WHEREAS, In May of 2023, during Beef Month celebrations, the NY Beef
Council, with over 400 beef farms members and over 200 junior members,
debuted the NY Beef Passport program; these passports highlight the 20
plus New York restaurants that serve outstanding beef; and

WHEREAS, The Annual Burger Competition, now in its's eighth year,
showcases the culinary excellence and beef-centric innovation that
define New York's vibrant food burger scene; and

WHEREAS, Sustainable beef is defined as socially responsible,
environmentally sound and economically viable product; New York has many
beef farmers who are currently using sustainable and even regenerative
practices; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2024, as Beef Month in
the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York; and Ashley Scoones, Executive Director of the New York Beef
Council.