FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner James Comer saluted Kentucky’s beef industry for its contributions to Kentucky’s agricultural economy and beef’s nutritional value as he commemorated May Beef Month.

“Kentucky is the leading beef cattle state east of the Mississippi River,” Commissioner Comer said. “Nearly 40,000 Kentucky farmers raise beef cattle. Beef also is an important source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. As a beef producer myself, I appreciate the significance of beef in our everyday lives.”

Gov. Steve Beshear proclaimed May Beef Month in a ceremony in April in Frankfort. He was joined by Warren Beeler, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s director of agriculture policy.

Kentucky had more than 1 million head of beef cows as of Jan. 1, according to the Kentucky office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Kentucky producers took in nearly $669 million in farm cash receipts from the sale of cattle in 2012, the agricultural statistics service reported.

A 2007 University of Kentucky study found that the beef industry had a total direct, indirect, and induced economic impact of more than $1.8 billion.

Commissioner Comer is founder and owner of James Comer Jr. Farms, a 950-acre beef cattle, timber and hay farming operation in his native Monroe County. He also co-owns Comer Land & Cattle Co., a family farming operation, with his father and brother.

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture helps producers find new markets for their cattle, conducts beef cattle shows, tracks market prices, and protects Kentucky’s herds from disease. To find out more about the Department’s services, go to www.kyagr.com.

Source: Provided by Kentucky Department of Agriculture

The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association serves as the voice of Kentucky’s beef farm families, provides information and education, and works to enhance producer profitability. For more information about the KCA, go to www.kycattle.org.