Support farmers and ranchers during May Beef Month
It’s time to fire up the grill and say ‘thank you’ to our farmers and ranchers during May Beef Month.
May Beef Month is a celebration of all who help craft nutritious, versatile beef products from the farmers to processors, truck drivers, grocery stores, and more. All play a crucial role in Wisconsin’s heritage, economy, and future.
Wisconsin has a robust beef industry, ranking ninth in the nation for the number of cattle and calves that call the Badger state home, 3.4 million total. The value of those cattle and calves to the state is almost double Wisconsin’s food grains, vegetables and melons, and fruits and nuts combined when comparing cash receipts.
Whether it’s a Ribeye Steak on the grill or a Chuck Roast for the family, customers are choosing beef. In fact, per capita consumption of beef and veal was over 59 pounds in 2022. That’s 236 quarter-pound burgers!
This May Beef Month, there are many ways to celebrate: Attend a May Beef Moth event: Keep an eye out for a local steak fry in the area. Or join the Wisconsin Beef Council for the 3rd Annual Burgers & Buns Fun Run with both a virtual option and an in-person opportunity at the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Manitowoc on Saturday, May 20. The Wisconsin Beef Council is also teaming up with The Capital Times to host Madison Burger Week May 19-26. Taste test burgers at participating restaurants and vote for your favorite!
Engage with your local farmer: There are nearly 27,777 Wisconsin farms and ranches with cattle and calves4. Those farmers are working hard to care for their animals and raise this high-quality protein. Ask for a tour, find your local farmer on Facebook, or create a conversation at the farmer’s market to learn more about how your beef is grown. Unsure of where to begin? Check out Wisconsin Beef Council’s Local Beef Directory to find a farm near you!
Visit an area meat processor: Wisconsin is home to more than 500 licensed meat establishments in 68 of the 72 counties. Each has a flavorful twist on snack sticks, smoked meat, classic cuts, and more. This sector of the industry employs more than 175,068 people and has a total economic output of $34.2 billion.
Grill like you mean it with beef: Beef is a nutrient powerhouse that supplies half the daily value of protein in just one 3 oz serving. Filled with 10 essential nutrients like zinc, iron, and B vitamins, beef can help our bodies feel more satisfied with fewer calories.
