With the largest fed-cattle industry in the world, the United States is also the world's largest producer of beef, primarily high-quality, grain-fed beef for domestic and export use. Nevertheless, the United States is a net beef importer, purchasing lower-value, grass-fed beef destined for processing. The U.S. industry is roughly divided into two production sectors: cow-calf operations and cattle feeding. Because the cattle/beef industry depends on feed grains, grain supplies and prices affect beef production. ERS provides:

• Monthly reports on cattle and beef industry market outlook and data covering supply, use, prices, and trade.
• Data products that include current trade indicators; retail, wholesale, and farm values for beef; and historical data on production, use, and trade for the cattle and beef sector.
• In-depth analyses of conditions and events that influence domestic and global cattle and beef markets, including food safety and trade policy.

Last updated: Saturday, May 26, 2012

For more information contact: Kenneth Mathews