Idaho ranchers and beef industry partners gathered Monday near the state capitol in Boise to kick off Idaho Beef Month. A proclamation was read by Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke with Gov. Brad Little standing by.

Also joining the event were Chanel Tewalt, director of Idaho State Department of Agriculture, and Randy Ford, Idaho Foodbank CEO.

The event was hosted by the Idaho Beef Council, which has organized a variety of events and activities during Idaho Beef Month, according to a press release from the agency.

Events include special “Beef Nights” with the Boise Hawks and Idaho Falls Chukars, sponsorship and ticket giveaways for the Snake River Stampede and highlighting local food service operators who are offering beef specials during the month of July.

Ranching families

Idaho Beef Month is an opportunity to highlight cattle ranching families around the state as well as the thousands of Idahoans who work within the industry all along the supply chain.

“As Governor Little kicks off Idaho Beef Month in July, this provides us with a unique platform to connect with consumers about the value and quality of Idaho beef while strengthening our connections within the industry,” T.K. Kuwahara, CEO of the Idaho Beef Council, said in the press release.

High quality

“Idaho Beef Month is also an opportunity to showcase how a nutritious, delicious, high-quality food product — beef — nourishes our bodies and communities,” she said.

Others in attendance at the event include members of the Idaho Beef Council board of directors and members of the Idaho Cattlemen’s Association.

There are nearly 7,500 beef ranches in Idaho and approximately 2.5 million head of cattle, which is 530,000 more cattle than people. Beef cattle are raised in all 44 of Idaho’s counties. The top five counties by number of beef cattle are Owyhee, Bingham, Cassia, Twin Falls and Lemhi.