Land-Grant Universities Support U.S. Beef Production

By Margaret Lawrence

Cattle and calves accounted for $108 billion in farm cash receipts in 2024, the largest figure for any single commodity. As of January, the U.S. cattle inventory stood at 86.7 million head.  Put simply, cattle production is one of the United States’ most important agricultural industries.  

NIFA supports research and Extension efforts at Land-grant Universities to ensure cattle producers have access to current science-based information to help them make the best management decisions possible for their operations.   

Highlights 

• The cost of cattle feed can be up to 75% of the direct cost associated with beef production, and there is significant variation in an individual animal’s ability to convert feed to growth. University of Missouri researchers are looking at how differences in animal DNA affect how efficiently animals use food to grow. This research could help producers select animals that get the most out of their feed, saving them money and resources.  This project was supported by Hatch funding and other NIFA competitive grants.