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18
MAY

Join Commissioner Quarles by grilling Ky. Proud burgers in honor of May Beef Month

Beef is important to Kentucky's economy with over half of our farms raising cattle

FRANKFORT, KY (May 18, 2020) –

Join Commissioner Quarles by grilling Ky. Proud burgers in honor of May Beef Month

Nathan Lawson, left, a Kentucky beef cattle producer, and Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles enjoy some Kentucky Proud beef at an event in Lexington. (Kentucky Department of Agriculture photo)

With more than a million beef cows, Kentucky boasts largest beef cattle inventory east of the Mississippi River and the eighth-most in the nation as the state celebrates Beef Month.

“With the weather warming, I urge Kentuckians to join me by throwing some locally-sourced burgers on their backyard grills in honor of May as beef month,” Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles said. “Beef is not only good for you as part of a healthy, balanced diet, but buying Kentucky Proud beef is good for the state’s economy, keeping your hard-earned money right here at home.”

Kentucky is home to 38,000 beef cattle producers according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. The Commonwealth is 14th in the nation for the total number of beef cows and calves with an inventory of 2.13 million head as of January 1.

Kentucky produced more than 594 million pounds of beef last year valued at over $648 million. Beef cattle sales accounted for more than $692 million in cash receipts to Kentucky producers in 2019 and gross income of over $703 million.

Barren County reigns as the top county in Kentucky in the total number of cattle and calves, as well as beef cows. Madison and Pulaski counties follow in the rankings for cattle and calves. The counties flip-flopped in beef cows, with Pulaski in second place and Madison third.

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.

Consumers can locate Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef burgers, made with locally-sourced beef raised by Kentucky producers at Kroger stores across the state. To find local beef near you, visit kyproud.com/beef.

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    In the News

  • 4/11/25 – Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corp. approves more than $2.1 million in loans
  • 3/18/25 – Ag Education Week brings the agriculture experience to the classroom
  • 3/17/25 – Russell County Hospital, Dry Branch Stock Farm partner up on Food is Medicine initiative
  • 3/07/25 – Agriculture Commissioner kicks off Ag Tag season visiting with FFA, 4-H members
  • 3/06/25 – 2025 Beef Expo sales reach more than $700,000
  • View All Press Releases...

    Agriculture Links

  • Kentucky Farm Bureau Newsroom
  • Cromwell Ag Network
  • Morning Ag Report - WKDZ 106.5 FM

KDA Video

Agriculture in Kentucky

Agriculture is more than a part of life, it’s a passion and commitment to provide the fiber, feed, and shelter the world needs.

Equine Industry in Kentucky

Agriculture is more than a part of life, it’s a passion and commitment to provide the fiber, feed, and shelter the world needs.

Kentucky Farmers' Markets

Kentucky Farmers' Markets bring fresh, local produce, meats, eggs, and handmade goods directly to communities. These markets support local farmers and offer a vibrant shopping experience with seasonal products, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

Sunshine Class

The Sunshine Class is a unique opportunity for special needs individuals to engage in Kentucky agriculture by showing livestock. To learn more about how to get involved visit kyagr.com/sunshine/

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