Land-Grant Universities Support U.S. Beef Production

May 21, 2025

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.

Source : usda.gov

Video: Season 7, Episode 1: Managing Risk and Seeing Opportunities in U.S. Pork Production

Today’s episode features three guests discussing the similarities and differences between pork production in the United States and Brazil, along with strategies for managing risk in today’s industry while recognizing and acting on opportunities. First, Dr. Anne Caroline de Lara, executive manager of live pig production at Seara Alimentos, a JBS company in Brazil, is joined by Dr. Matthew Turner, head of operations for JBS Live Pork. Together, they discuss how labor, climate and ventilation challenges vary between Brazil and the United States, while underscoring their shared commitment to raising healthy pigs. They also point to lessons producers in both countries can take from one another’s systems and on-farm experiences. Then, Brady Reicks, risk manager at Reicks View Farms, shares his perspective on risk management, drawing from his background in markets and his transition into farming. He discusses how protecting margins varies by operation and offers practical approaches producers can use to make marketing and business decisions with greater confidence rather than hesitation.

Both conversations were recorded at recent industry events focused on swine livability, including the International Conference on Pig Livability and Iowa Swine Day.