K 448: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Beef Month in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 448 BY: M. of A. Woerner MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, 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 2025, 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 $428 million in receipts 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; an WHEREAS, The Annual Burger Competition, now in its ninth 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 2025, 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.