Contact: Anna Hastert, Director of Communications, (515) 296-2266
Today, Gov. Kim Reynolds proclaimed April as “Meat on the Table Month.” During this time, she encourages Iowans to support the livestock industry through meat consumption and purchases.
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Iowa State Beef Checkoff Program, alongside beef producers and other industry leaders, appreciate the state’s initiative to promote our meat products. The livestock industry takes great pride in caring for its animals. Beef producers invest in herd development, health and nutrition planning, and best management practices to ensure they provide consumers with a high-quality source of protein.
We encourage consumers to join us in learning about beef production and most importantly, understanding how beef gets from pasture to plate. Beef producers collectively work to meet consumers in the marketplace by listening to their concerns, addressing questions about how cattle are raised, and even opening up their farms and ranches for tours. As the ultimate “upcyclers,” cattle turn otherwise unusable material into a high-value product and play an important role as part of the biogenic carbon cycle.
As Iowans embark on their journey to explore the benefits of beef and other meat products, consider purchasing beef in a showing of solidarity for local restaurants, food service, and fellow Iowa beef producers. The Iowa State Beef Checkoff Program provides resources online that will make the next month, and beyond, exciting for your taste buds.
As always, thank you for supporting your local farm families by purchasing beef and other meat products.
Where To Buy Beef Locally: https://www.iabeef.org/raising-beef
Beef Recipes: https://www.iabeef.org/recipes
"MEAT ON THE TABLE MONTH" PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Iowa feeds the world with high-quality products including pork, beef, lamb, poultry, eggs, and fish; according to the last USDA census of agriculture, Iowa generated almost $29 billion in crop and livestock sales, putting us 2nd in the nation.
WHEREAS, Iowa producers are leading the way in animal health care, husbandry, and handling practices; from our largest meat processing companies, to small family-owned meat lockers, Iowa plays a critical role in the food supply chain.
WHEREAS, these products are packed with wholesome and nutritious protein and play a critical role in combating hunger and fighting food insecurity throughout Iowa, America and around the globe;
WHEREAS, producers are under constant scrutiny from ill-informed politicians and social media influencers, who diminish the brand of everyday food, mislead consumers, and disregard sound research supporting the quality and safety of animal agriculture;
WHEREAS, now, more than ever, it is imperative that agricultural leaders unite and stand up for our industry, the products, and the people who produce the meat and animal protein products that feed an ever-growing global population;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kim Reynolds, Governor of the State of Iowa, do hereby proclaim April 2021 as MEAT ON THE TABLE MONTH in Iowa, and call upon the people of Iowa to purchase and eat pork, beef, lamb, poultry, eggs, fish, or another kind of meat from one of Iowa’s many meat and poultry processors or retailers.
About the Iowa Cattlemen's Association: The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association represents nearly 9,000 beef-producing families and associated companies dedicated to the future of Iowa’s beef industry. ICA’s mission is “Grow Iowa’s beef business through advocacy, leadership and education.” www.iacattlemen.org.