The state has launched the New York Beef Passport, a free program designed to guide St. Lawrence County residents and other New Yorkers to the best beef dishes at participating restaurants throughout the state. 

Spearheaded by the New York Beef Council, the New York Beef Passport gives consumers the opportunity to explore the best beef dishes in New York State, support local businesses and beef producers, and win exciting, themed prizes.

Agricultural Commissioner Richard A. Ball joined members of the New York Beef Council and the New York Beef Producers Association at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Syracuse to launch the passport and honor the beef industry in New York, which is a critical component of the state’s agricultural sector.

“I’m proud to celebrate Beef Month in New York State with the launch of the New York Beef Passport. This initiative will connect our consumers with beef producers in every corner of our state, while helping them to support local small businesses and try some delicious new dishes. We’re happy to help tell the story of New York’s many excellent farming families that produce a variety of versatile and wholesome beef choices for our tables and encourage everyone to download a free New York Beef Passport this month and get tasting,” Ball said.

The New York Beef Passport provides the perfect opportunity for beef lovers to taste some of the best beef dishes from participating restaurants throughout New York State and earn prizes ranging from beef-themed collectible t-shirts to a grand prize $250 Beef Bundle Give-A-Way. The program encourages visitors to travel and explore all regions of New York while supporting local restaurants and small businesses. Participants will have the opportunity to try new flavors and explore different cooking styles from juicy steaks to mouth-watering burgers.

There are 20 restaurants participating in the New York Beef Passport, including six locations of Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Limp Lizard Lounge Bar & Grill, and both locations of the Woodland Farm Brewery. The New York Beef Passport is free and only takes a few minutes to register for on a digital device. Consumers can collect digital stamps at each participating restaurant to be eligible for prizes and receive exclusive digital passport offers. Learn more at https://www.nybeef.org/beef-passport.

New York State has nearly 12,800 cattle farms with 1.4 million cattle and calves overall, including almost 110,000 beef cows supplying nutritious, wholesome beef to consumers. The beef industry is one of the top five agricultural sectors in New York, contributing to New York State’s economy by generating more than $298 million in sales annually. New York’s beef community is made up of hard-working and dedicated men and women, and 92% of beef farms in New York are family owned and operated. Beef is an excellent source of protein and supplies 10 essential nutrients including B-vitamins, zinc, and iron that support an active and healthy lifestyle. Thousands of people—from cattle producers and feed manufacturers to equipment dealers and food marketers—play a role in bringing beef from pasture to plate.