AgFocus: Ground Beef Nation

Over the last 40 years, the U.S. has become a nation of consumers who eat an escalating share of their beef in ground form. Early identification of end use is key to the U.S. cattle industry developing a long-term, sustainable future.

U.S. consumers want ground beef. Over the last 40 years, the U.S. has become a nation of consumers who eat an escalating share of their beef in ground form. Burgers, sauces and tacos are on the plates and in the drive-thrus of Americans, while at the same time, the U.S. cattle industry is operating within an infrastructure that pays a premium for high-performing cattle.

This contradiction must change for beef to remain competitive with other proteins and for the industry to remain as efficient and profitable as possible. Early identification of end use, and managing the choice/prime and select grade animals in a manner consistent with their best end use, is key to the U.S. cattle industry developing a long-term, sustainable future.