Today, Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Adirondack) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in the Assembly to recognize May as Beef Month in New York and honor the state’s hardworking beef producers and the broader agricultural community. Lawmakers, members of the New York Beef Council and representatives from the New York Beef Producers Association gathered for tastings and offered remarks.

Simpson, who was invited to attend the event, said, “I am proud to celebrate the hardworking families who raise cattle and contribute so much to our state. New York’s beef industry is a great example of responsible agriculture that sustains rural communities while producing world-class products.”

New York is home to thousands of beef farms that generate millions in economic activity while practicing sustainable land management, but New York’s rapid acceleration toward electrification and a poor business climate are forcing many farmers into land leases with solar projects that take up significant amounts of fertile land and green space.

“Supporting our farmers and ranchers is essential so they are never forced to turn to large-scale solar leases that can consume thousands of acres of fertile land. By investing in and protecting New York agriculture, we ensure a sustainable future for our food system and open spaces for generations to come,” Simpson said.