Gov. Kim Reynolds has officially proclaimed

May as Beef Month in Iowa.

For many of us, every month is a time to partake

of a food that ranks high on the list of culinary favorites.

It’s no secret that Americans have a love affair

with beef. That’s been true for generations and the

demand for this tasty and healthy product is on the

rise – up about 15 percent in the last decade.

The passion for beef is widely shared in the

Hawkeye State. It is the beef industry’s vital role

in the state’s economy, however, that warrants

special recognition.

The governor took note in her proclamation of

some impressive facts about this important part of

Iowa agriculture:

• Iowa had 4 million head of cattle as of Jan. 1,

making it a major beef producing state.

• The beef industry adds $6.3 billion to the

Iowa economy each year and provides jobs to

more than 32,000 Iowans.

-Beef is a nutrient-rich food. It provides protein,

zinc and B-vitamins.

– Beef producers have an environmental commitment

that makes them excellent caretakers of

the state’s land.

– Iowa is a leader in the worldwide export of

high-quality beef.

Iowans have celebrated Beef Month for more

than four decades and with good reason. There can

be little doubt that Iowa helps set the standard nationally

for production of top-quality beef.

Iowa’s beef producers take pride in their