McKenna Brinning shows her winning cow at the 2015 Washington County Fair – it was named Grand Champion in market beef. Photo by KCII’s Sally Y. Hart

Governor Terry Branstad has declared May as Beef Month in Iowa in recognition of the importance of Iowa’s beef industry to the state’s economy.  According to the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa has nearly 4 million cattle, and generates more than $7.4 billion annually to the state economy, as well as creating jobs for nearly 40,000 Iowans. The role Washington County plays in the Iowa Cattle industry can be seen every year at the Washington County Fair. Last year, the award for Grand Champion market beef was presented to McKenna Brinning.