Beef Month
Idaho Celebrates 20th Annual Beef Month in July
-While many associate Idaho with its famous potatoes, Idaho ranchers know that the state’s agricultural industry thrives because of another important product: beef. In a state where cattle outnumber people, the Idaho Beef Industry has had a tremendous impact on local communities and the economy of Idaho.
This year marks the 20th annual month-long celebration of Idaho Beef. Beef Month celebrates not only the valuable role of beef in a healthy and balanced diet but also the long and distinguished history of the Idaho Beef Industry.
“The beef industry plays an important part in Idaho’s history, and continues to thrive because of the hard-working ranch families throughout the state,” commented Bill Lickley, who operates Winecup L Cattle Company in Jerome, Idaho, and currently serves as chair of the Idaho Beef Council.
Did you know:
In Idaho, most beef cows are raised in open pastures. With more than two-thirds of the state-owned by federal and state government, most cows and calves spend at least part of their lives on public rangelands.
There are more than 8,149 cattle operations in Idaho. In fact, the beef industry has a rich history in Idaho, with a long line of ranchers and families passing on their expertise and love of ranching to the next generation. Some are among the state’s “Century Ranches,” a designation by the Idaho State Historical Society and the Idaho Department of Agriculture to recognize farms, ranches, and owner/operator families who pioneered Idaho agriculture.
