Bill Text: NY K02149 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2024, as Beef Month in the State of New York

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-2)

Status: (Passed) 2024-05-13 - adopted [K02149 Detail]

Download: New_York-2023-K02149-Introduced.html

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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.