U.S. BEEF CATTLE Although the 10% United States has less than 10% of the world’s cattle inventory, it produces nearly 25% of the world’s beef supply.
25%
More than 1 million beef businesses, farms and ranches operate in 50 states. High-quality beef cattle genetics have been developed to fit climates that range from tropical to arctic. U.S. beef producers have focused on cattle uniformity. Good genetics are essential to operation profitability. Bull selection is the foundation for building a profitable beef herd. Choosing the correct sire is the most important tool in improving the genetic potential of a herd.
CHAPTER 1, SECTION 2
BEEF CATTLE With its rich land resources, United States beef cattle production represents about 18 percent of total cash receipts for agricultural commodities, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS, 2020). The beef industry is largely separate from the U.S. dairy sector, and can be divided into seedstock (purebred) breeding herds, commercial cow-calf production, stocker and backgrounding operations, and cattle feeding.
INDUSTRY TRENDS New markets for U.S. cattle exports of beef breeding cattle and genetics have emerged in recent years around the world (ERS, 2020). Beef cattle genetics from the U.S. are highly sought after. Live animals, semen, and embryos are in ever-increasing demand. Using the highest health standards, an excellent transportation system, and the latest technology, U.S. beef cattle genetics can be quickly and efficiently sent to any place in the world. Beef cattle genetics from the U.S. offer proven performance, functional type and profitability – all backed by solid data. U.S. beef cattle operations are located throughout the United States and depend on range and pasture forage. The U.S. beef cattle herd offers a large population size, high selection intensity, a competitive artificial insemination (AI) industry, independent genetic evaluations and cattle that have been tested in diverse environments.
USLGE.org
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International Guide for Importing U.S. Livestock and Genetics
