CHEYENNE, Wyo. — March 20th has become the battleground in a beefy debate.
Governor Mark Gordon signed a proclamation making today, March 20, 2021, “Hearty Meat Day” in the State of Wyoming. The proclamation comes on the heels of Colorado Governor Jared Polis’s recently signed proclamation declaring March 20th “Meatout Day” in Colorado. Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts declared the same day as “Meat on the Menu Day” in his state.
In the proclamation, Governor Gordon invites Colorado to “join us in our celebration of Hearty Meat Day.”
According to the Colorado proclamation, “Meatout Day” is a campaign that was launched in 1985. Since then, “more than 35 million people have explored a plant-based diet and reduced their consumption of meat, dairy, and eggs.” Governor Polis outlined other concerns attributed to consuming meat including heart disease and high blood pressure, animal cruelty, and protecting the environment.
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts announced his plans for “Meat on the Menu Day,” in a press release from March 5. “Agriculture is Nebraska’s number one industry and beef is our largest segment of production,” he said. “While meat is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat, there are radical anti-agriculture activists that are working to end meat production and our way of life here in Nebraska. I have designated March 20th as ‘Meat on the Menu Day’ to highlight the importance of meat in a good diet as well as to provide an opportunity to support our farmers and ranchers.”
The proclamation by Governor Gordon states, “livestock constitute over 80% of Wyoming’s agricultural production and agriculture is one of our state’s top three economic drivers.” And, “Wyoming is the proud home of farmers and ranchers alike, they are represented on the great seal of the state of Wyoming and we will always defend and appreciate our agriculture roots.”
“Our Wyoming farmers and ranchers are amazing stewards of our environment. The meat they ethically produce is the best, and part of a healthy, balanced diet. It’s just downright good to eat,” Governor Gordon said in a press release announcing the proclamation. “Folks here know how important our ranching heritage is.” Adding, “I don’t know what those folks are doing down south, but a good barbecue is a great way to enjoy a Saturday,”
According to The Denver Post, 26 counties in Colorado have proclaimed March 20th, “Meat in Day.”
