The ribeye may soon be the official state steak.

State Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, is the author of Senate Bill 21.  Murdock said the bill is all about promoting a vital part of Oklahoma’s economy and heritage.

“The cattle industry is a huge part of Oklahoma’s identity,” Murdock said.  “We have 5.1 million head of beef cows in Oklahoma and we’re third in the nation in the number of beef cows.”

According to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, the most recent figures show more than 51,000 beef producers in Oklahoma and they’re in all 77 counties.  According to the United States Department of Agriculture, annual cash receipts for cattle sales in Oklahoma total $3.3 billion.

Why the ribeye? “Hands down, the ribeye is the most flavorful steak there is,” Murdock said.