We’re well into May and it’s officially Beef Month! Beef Month is a time to celebrate all those that play a role, big and small, in this incredible industry.

When you marry a cattleman, you’re expected to know a thing or two. If you find yourself needing some beef facts to impress your friends (you never know) here are 10 fun facts you can share:

1. Beef is among the top food sources for protein, zinc and vitamin B12

2. A cow is the proper term for an adult female animal that has produced a calf

3. The hide from one cow can make 144 baseballs, 20 footballs or 12 basketballs

4. No waste! Almost the entire beef animal can be used in some way. Over 98% of the cow is utilized for meat and byproducts.

5. Speaking of byproducts, Chymotrypsin is a cattle byproduct can help treat burn patients

6. The USDA divides a beef animal into eight regions. These are known as the primal cuts, aka the main cuts:

   • Chuck

   • Rib

   • Loin

   • Round

   • Flank

   • Short Plate

   • Brisket

   • Shank

7. Filet mignon is French for "cute fillet". Cute and DELICIOUS!

8. Cattle can only be used in the plural and not in the singular, there cannot be “one cattle”

9. United States ranchers raise 20% of the world’s beef supply with just 7% of the world’s cattle

10. More than 20 cuts of beef are considered lean

Now let’s go celebrate with some steak.