Over my last few entries, I have been sharing my unique story of beef production. As I tell my story, I realized something: we are all beef producers. Every segment of the cattle business leads to beef production and ultimately feeds the consumer.
Best Food Nation explains who we are quite well,
Cattle and beef production represent the largest single segment of American agriculture. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says more farms are classified as beef cattle operations (35%) than any other type of farm. Most farms and ranches in the United States, including cattle ranches, are family owned and operated, but cattle operations have long been considered multi-generational endeavors. An Iowa survey of cattle producers showed that 60 percent of producers in that state alone expect to pass their operation on to their children.
There are about 800,000 beef producers in the United States, who are responsible for nearly 100 million head of beef cattle. According to USDA, producers of meat animals in 2005 were
responsible for more than $64 billion in added value to the U.S. economy, as measured by
their contribution to the national output.
Whether one is a packer, a feeder, a cow-calf operator, or a consumer, we are all connected in this beef industry. Without one, the others would fall. It is so important to the American beef producer to provide a safe and wholesome product for the consumer. This is why I'm so proud to be a part of this great industry.
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