Idaho Beef Month
July is Beef Month in Idaho! The Idaho Beef Council writes that as of January 1, 2025, there were 2.49 million head of cattle in Idaho valued at approximately $2 billion. Among all of Idaho’s agriculture sectors, the value of cattle and calves production ranks second right behind dairy production. The beef industry has a rich history in Idaho, and for more than 100 years, Idaho cattle ranchers have passed on their expertise to the next generation and stewarded public lands. The Idaho Foodbank is pleased to partner with this important agriculture community as we work to provide high-quality protein to our neighbors facing food insecurity.
Beef is a highly desired food by many of the people served by The Idaho Foodbank, and so the Beef Counts program was created to help provide more beef to our neighbors facing food insecurity. As the first program of its kind in the United States, the Beef Counts program brings together all of Idaho’s beef industry, in partnership with The Idaho Foodbank. Spearheaded by the Idaho Beef Council (IBC), industry partners include the Idaho Cattle Association, Idaho Cattlewomen and Agri Beef Company. Beef Counts began in 2010 and has since distributed 2.6 million servings of beef through The Foodbank’s statewide network of community partners. The program is supported by both cash and cattle contributions made by the beef industry in Idaho.
Protein is a vital part of a healthy, balanced diet, supporting everything from muscle maintenance to immune function. At The Idaho Foodbank, we prioritize offering a variety of high-quality protein options to our food distribution partners. In our last fiscal year, 15% of the food we distributed was protein — including nutrient-dense choices like beef. Just one 3-ounce serving of cooked beef provides 25 grams of protein, or 50% of the recommended Daily Value, along with 10 essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins. These nutrients are especially important for individuals facing food insecurity, who may be at greater risk of nutrient deficiencies. By including beef in our offerings, we help ensure that families across Idaho receive not just calories, but the nourishment they need to thrive.
The Beef Counts Program would not be possible without generous contributions from our long-time partners and sponsors, including Agri Beef, the Idaho Beef Council, the Idaho Cattle Association, the Idaho Cattlewomen Council, AgWest Farm Credit, John Hepton, and other community partners. For a full list of supporters, and to learn more about the Beef Counts program, visit https://www.idbeef.org/raising-beef/beef-counts.