Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Beef Month in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Tedisco

Seeks a gubernatorial proclamation to designate May 2026 as Beef Month in New York, recognizing beef’s economic and nutritional importance.

REFERRED TO FINANCE

Basic Information

Type: Senate Resolution (Memorializing gesture)

Sponsor: Senator Jim Tedisco (Co-sponsor)

Session: 2025-2026

Jurisdiction: New York

Status: Referred to Finance (as of 2026-04-23)

Official Title: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Beef Month in the State of New York

Effective Action: If enacted, a formal request to the Governor to issue a proclamation declaring May 2026 as Beef Month in New York.

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim is ceremonial: to persuade Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026 as “Beef Month” in New York, aligning with National Beef Month observances.

The resolution frames beef production as a foundational and economically significant sector in New York, highlighting its cultural and nutritional value, and urging state recognition to honor producers, workers, processors, and related industries.

Key Provisions and Provisions’ Focus

Recognition of Agriculture: Emphasizes the agricultural sector as essential to New York’s heritage and economy.

Statistics and Support for Beef Sector:

Notes nearly 7 million acres of farmland and about 33,500 family farms in the state.
Estimates 80,000–100,000 farmworkers in New York.
Cattle presence: approximately 1.4 million head on about 10,000 farms/ranches.
Beef sector receipts: over $428 million annually; one of the top five NY agricultural commodities.
NY hosts about 300 beef processing plants.
Beef markets industry is valued at over $800 million with more than 1,000 beef-related businesses employing around 5,000 people.

Beef Month Context: Connects state observance to the national recognition of Beef Month in May, including aspects of farming, processing, and meat markets.

Nutritional Emphasis: Highlights beef as a source of protein and nutrients (e.g., B-vitamins, zinc, iron) and mentions typical serving facts.

Sustainability Note: References “sustainable beef” as socially responsible, environmentally sound, and economically viable, noting NY beef producers employing sustainable or regenerative practices.

Culinary and Cultural Elements: Mentions the Annual Burger Competition (nine years running) as part of New York’s beef-centered culinary scene.

Public Awareness Goals: Aims to educate consumers about beef nutrition and the beef supply chain (farms, processing facilities, markets).

Affected Parties and Impacts

Governor: Requested to issue a proclamation declaring May 2026 as Beef Month.

New York Beef Industry Stakeholders:

Beef producers and ranchers
Farmworkers and agricultural labor force
Beef processing facilities
Meat markets, butcher shops, and delicatessens
Culinary sector associated with beef product innovation (e.g., burger competition)

General Public: Indirectly affected through awareness of beef’s role in nutrition and the economy.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Trigger: If signed by the Governor, May 2026 will be recognized statewide as Beef Month.

Processing: The bill has advanced to the Finance Committee for consideration, which handles state proclamations and related ceremonial resolutions.

Timeline: Proclamation would align with National Beef Month observed nationally in May 2026.

Observations

This bill is ceremonial in nature and does not impose new regulatory requirements or fiscal obligations on the state or industry.

It functions as a formal acknowledgment intended to celebrate and promote the beef industry within New York through a gubernatorial proclamation and public awareness.

Bill