Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined agriculture leaders and industry partners Friday at the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s annual cookout to officially proclaim May as Arkansas Beef Month, Dairy Month, Egg Month and Strawberry Month.
The annual event highlighted the importance of Arkansas agriculture and recognized producers across the state for their contributions to the economy and food supply.
“We are so thankful for all of the people who work so hard to put food on our tables, and that agriculture continues to be the number one industry in the State of Arkansas,” Sanders said. “Today, we get to celebrate that, we get to enjoy it, and we get to recognize the incredible work of the farmers and ranchers and producers from around our state.”
Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward said the month-long recognition shines a spotlight on several of the state’s key agricultural industries.
“Arkansas’ beef, dairy, egg and strawberry industries continue to demonstrate why agriculture remains our state’s largest and most diverse industry,” Ward said. “May provides an opportunity to highlight these sectors of our industry and the producers who work every day to support Arkansas communities and maintain our position as a national leader in agriculture.”
According to information released by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, cattle and calves remain one of Arkansas’ leading agricultural commodities, generating more than $824 million in cash receipts annually.
The state’s dairy industry produces approximately 26 million pounds of milk each year, valued at $6.2 million, while Arkansas egg production contributes roughly $824 million annually and produces more than 3.89 billion eggs, ranking the state ninth nationally.
The strawberry industry also continues to play a role in Arkansas agriculture, with more than 80 farms cultivating 128 acres of strawberries across the state.
More than 450 agriculture industry stakeholders and partners attended Friday’s event. Lunch was provided through support from several organizations and businesses, including Williams Baptist University, the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association, Arkansas Cattlewomen’s Association, Cal-Maine, Arkansas Berry Company, Holland Bottom Farms and Hiland Dairy Foods.
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