[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 88 (Wednesday, May 24, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E485]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING NATIONAL BEEF MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. KEN BUCK

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2023

  Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, as National Beef Month ends, I rise to 
recognize the enormous impact that the beef industry has on Colorado, 
our nation's economy, and our western way of life.
  The American beef industry is the world's largest producer of beef 
and accounts for 21.7 percent of the world's total beef production. 
With 91.9 million heads of cattle and roughly 720,000 beef farms in the 
United States, the beef industry accounts for the largest share of 
total cash receipts among agricultural commodities and accounts for 35 
percent of all U.S. farms.
  This multi-billion-dollar industry employs hundreds of thousands of 
hard-working American men and women, most of whom work for family-
owned, small businesses. With cattle raised in all 50 states, beef has 
grown to be the second most popular choice of meat in the United States 
and has contributed greatly to both domestic and international 
economies.
  Often a great source of essential nutrients such as protein, zinc, 
iron and B vitamins, high-grade beef provides our bodies with the 
strength needed to thrive and grow throughout all stages of life. 
Lowering bad cholesterol, building muscle, and improving cognitive 
health are among the many benefits derived from a healthy, balanced 
diet that includes protein-rich animals such as beef. For years critics 
have unfairly alleged that the resources needed to sustain such an 
industry have done damage to our environment and raised greenhouse gas 
emissions, when in reality, the beef industry has undergone tremendous 
technological, genetic, and management reforms in an effort to preserve 
our environment. As ranchers who rely on healthy soil and good seasons 
for the well-being of their cattle, cattle ranchers have long placed 
environmental stewardship at the forefront of their operations.
  Today, I show my appreciation for the hardworking men and women of 
the American beef industry who rise before the sun each day and work 
tirelessly to provide food to our nation. Working alongside their 
partners in the agricultural sector, the American beef industry has 
been a key contributor to our nation's fight against food insecurity 
and has provided much needed, nutrient-dense food for the world's 
population.
  The beef industry is deeply ingrained in American culture and has 
been a valued economic partner in many communities across the United 
States and the world. Eastern Colorado, which I represent in the U.S. 
House of Representatives, has the ten most agriculture producing 
counties in Colorado, with 2.85 million heads of cattle valued at over 
$2.8 billion. This ranks Colorado 10th in the United States for total 
cattle and makes it the 4th largest exporter of beef in the United 
States.
  These hardworking men and women deserve our gratitude. I am proud to 
honor their work during National Beef Month.

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