A resolution expressing support for the designation of May 2026 as "National Beef Month" to recognize the important role cattle play in the United States, and to consumers.

Summary of S. Res. 711 (119th Congress, 2nd Session)

Purpose and intent

• Expresses support for designating May 2026 as “National Beef Month.”
• Aims to recognize the role cattle play in the United States and its consumers.

Key provisions and changes

• A formal resolution stating:
  • The Senate’s support for proclaiming May 2026 as National Beef Month.
  • A recognition of cattle production’s historical and ongoing contributions to U.S. agriculture and economy.
  • Specific assertions about beef nutrition and the beef industry’s role in cash receipts and global beef production.

Facts and claims highlighted in the resolution

• In 2024, cattle production accounted for the largest share of cash receipts for agricultural commodities in the U.S., totaling $112.1 billion.
• The United States accounts for approximately 19% of global beef production and raises more than 86.2 million head of cattle, representing about 6% of the world’s cattle inventory.
• The U.S. has the largest inventory of fed cattle in the world.
• Beef provides 25 grams of high-quality protein per 3-ounce serving and contains multiple nutrients that support energy production, immune function, and brain health (iron, choline, vitamins B6/B12, phosphorus, zinc, niacin, riboflavin, selenium).

Who would be affected

• Generally applicable to the public discourse around beef and the cattle industry.
• May influence public awareness, media coverage, and educational or promotional efforts related to beef during May 2026.
• No new regulatory obligations, funding allocations, or policy changes are enacted; it is a symbolic designation and acknowledgment.

Procedural and timeline aspects

• Introduced in the Senate on April 30, 2026 by Senator Ricketts (with several cosponsors).
• Referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for consideration.
• As a resolution, it does not create new law or require agency action; it serves to express the sense of the Senate and encourage designation of National Beef Month.

Sponsors and cosponsors

• Primary sponsor: Senator Pete Ricketts.
• Cosponsors include: Senators Deb Fischer, Amy Klobuchar, Cindy Hyde-Smith, James Lankford, and Roger Marshall.

Overall assessment

• A non-binding Senate resolution that acknowledges the significance of beef production to the U.S. economy and nutrition.
• Primarily ceremonial, aimed at promoting awareness of the beef industry during the designated month.