Overview
The United States has the largest fed-cattle industry
in the world, and is the world's largest producer of beef,
primarily high-quality, grain-fed beef for domestic and
export use. Beef production is related to the cattle cycle,
a series of peaks and troughs in herd size and production
that typically lasts from 8 to 12 years. Because the cattle/beef
industry is a major user of feed grains, beef production
is also affected by grain supplies and prices. ERS analyzes
conditions and events that influence supply, demand, trade,
and prices in domestic and global cattle and beef markets.
Features
ERS provides information on issues affecting domestic
and international beef markets and has collected Background Statistics and Information for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, or
mad cow disease) coverage. See also An Economic Chronology of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in the United States (June 2006) and Did BSE Announcements Reduce Beef Purchases? (December 2006).
Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry
Outlook (monthly) provides analysis of current developments
in the livestock and poultry industry, providing data
on animal numbers, meat and egg production, prices, trade,
and net returns. Beef is a featured commodity in February,
May, August, and November.
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