Agriculture Secretary Recognizes Pennsylvania Beef Industry's Economic Contributions During May Beef Month

CLARION, Pa., May 10, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Agriculture Secretary George Greig today recognized May as "Beef Month," highlighting the role Pennsylvania's $1.6 billion beef industry plays in the state's economy.

"Governor Corbett declared May as Beef Month to pay tribute to Pennsylvania's beef industry, which provides quality, wholesome products to consumers," said Greig. "Enjoy beef from local farmers to support our economy and keep Pennsylvania growing." 

Greig toured Clarion Farms, a beef operation with a retail store in Clarion, Clarion County. He welcomed the farm as the newest member of PA Preferred™, the official brand of agricultural products made or grown in Pennsylvania.

The farm is one of more than 3,600 beef and dairy operations that are certified through Pennsylvania's Beef Quality Assurance program, which focuses on beef quality and best management practices to ensure a safe, wholesome product for consumers.

"Providing consumers with quality beef is a job we take very seriously," added Greg McKean, chairman of the Pennsylvania Beef Council board of directors. "It is the same product my family eats – wholesome and produced to the highest quality and safety standards."

Pennsylvania is home to nearly 1.6 million beef and dairy cattle and calves on 26,000 farms. Beef provides consumers with essential nutrients including zinc and iron and is one of the most complete sources of protein.

Find local beef producers and recipes at www.PAPreferred.com.

Media contact: Nicole L. C. Bucher, 717-787-5085

Editor's Note: The following is a copy of Governor Corbett's proclamation:

BEEF MONTH

May 2013

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania is home to more than 500,000 beef cattle and calves on more than 12,000 farms, with gross receipts of $616 million for beef stock in 2011; and

WHEREAS, many of the commonwealth's dairy cattle ultimately enter the nation's beef supply chain, offering those producers additional income, valuing the state's 1.6 million total cattle and its beef industry at nearly $1.6 billion on 26,000 beef and dairy operations and ranking the state second in the nation in veal production; and

WHEREAS, from sirloin steak to ground chuck, beef provides Pennsylvania consumers with a rich supply of essential nutrients including zinc, iron and protein; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania's beef producers are stewards of the land, using the state's natural resources to grow a nutrient-dense and healthy food, while promoting environmental practices that will allow them to pass their farms to future generations; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania's beef industry is committed and responsive to animal and human health issues, and producers and consumers can be assured that Pennsylvania beef products are safe and wholesome; and

WHEREAS, the commonwealth's veal, beef and dairy beef industries are served by the Pennsylvania Beef Quality Assurance program, which helps to strengthen consumer confidence in beef by focusing the industry's attention on the strategies that promote beef quality and safety through the use of science, research and education, and more than 3,600 producers are BQA certified; and

WHEREAS, beef producers may qualify for membership in the PA Preferred™ program, the official brand of agricultural products made or grown in Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, to further enhance profitability and marketability, members of the beef industry formed a Beef Task Force and the Center for Beef Excellence, which supports growth and development; increases communication between new and beginning farmers and existing farmers, and between the beef industry and consumers; and showcases the industry's many contributions to Pennsylvania's economy.

THEREFORE, in recognition of the commonwealth's committed beef producers and nationally recognized beef industry, I, Tom Corbett, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim May 2013 BEEF MONTH in Pennsylvania. As we enter the summer grilling season, I urge all citizens to take advantage of the commonwealth's bountiful supply of beef while recognizing the industry's contributions to our economy and quality of life.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture