By: Donovan W. Mann – donovanm@977thebolt.com
Humboldt, IA – A local beef expert is encouraging consumers to enjoy the product that is a big part of the state’s economy.
May is recognized as beef month. During the month, producers, retailers and consumers take the time to recognize the hard work those in the industry do to provide their product.
Vice President of the Humboldt County Cattlemen’s Association Kevin Cordray provides his recognition for those in Iowa who work in the beef industry. “The beef industry in the state of Iowa is a huge part of the ag-economy,” he says.
He says there are “a lot” of cow-calf producers and feedlots with “guys out there working really hard every day producing some high quality beef for consumers.”
According to IAbeef.org, in 2020 the state of Iowa ranked eighth in all cattle and and calves at about 3.65 million in inventory. In 2017, the Iowa Cattle Industry contributed in excess of $6.8 billion in business activity to the state’s economy and provided 28,586 jobs either directly or indirectly related to the industry.
Cordray says that in addition to the deals and recognition in the month of May, on June 22 the Humboldt County Cattlemen will host a huge banquet at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds. The association will be out there grilling steak sandwich, burgers and hot dogs. “We want everyone to come out.”
It will be held at the fairground’s show ring. They will be bringing in guest speakers. They hope to do a “pre-fair bucket-bottle calf show” for the young county residents who are planning to show at the fair.
Beef does provide many essential nutrients to its consumers including zinc and iron. Cordray encourages beef consumption on a regular basis. “Beef is a very wholesome, nutritious food product for consumers,” he says.
“You know whether you’re throwing a burger on the grill or cooking some steaks or using it in some other way when you’re cooking, it’s a really good option for consumers to use and enjoy beef often.”
More information about the beef industry in the state of Iowa can be found through the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association at iacattlemen.org.