Virginia Beef Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Virginia Beef Month

WHEREAS, Virginia’s beef cattle inventory totaled more than 574,000 head on January 1, 2024, and cattle and calves are the second largest commodity of Virginia agriculture, contributing more than $482 million in cash receipts to the state’s economy in 2022; and

WHEREAS, Virginia beef cattle graze on more than two and a half million acres of pastureland in the Commonwealth across more than 15,000 farms and ranches; and

WHEREAS, beef cattle are primarily raised in Virginia’s ridge and valley regions, with Augusta, Rockingham, Russell, Bedford, and Pittsylvania counties leading total inventory; and

WHEREAS, in 2023, Virginia beef exports were valued at more than $33.9 million which is a 28% increase from 2022; and

WHEREAS, scientific research continues to document lean beef’s role in lowering bad cholesterol, building muscle and cognitive health, and providing other health benefits; and

WHEREAS, a three-ounce serving of lean beef is about 150 calories and an excellent source of protein and nine other essential nutrients like zinc, iron, and B vitamins; and

WHEREAS, buying Virginia grown beef supports the Commonwealth’s robust agricultural industry and ensures maximum freshness, taste, and nutrition, straight from Virginia farms to consumer tables;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize May 2024, as VIRGINIA BEEF MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations