Raising Beef
Raising beef is a complex process, but throughout the entire journey, one thing remains constant – the shared commitment to raising cattle in a safe, humane and environmentally sustainable way. Currently, more than 90% of U.S. farms and ranches are family-owned and operated. Learn more about the people who are invested in raising high-quality, sustainable beef for generations to come.
Beef in a Healthy, Sustainable Diet
Beef is nourishing and sustainable. It promotes health and helps prevent nutrient deficiencies. Environmentally, cattle play a unique role in our food system because they upgrade inedible plants to high-quality protein. Most people are already eating beef within global dietary guidelines, so we believe the biggest opportunity for a healthy sustainable diet will come from reducing food waste, including beef, eating fewer empty calories and enjoying more balanced meals.
Animal Care and the Modern Rancher
Cattle farmers and ranchers have many tools to keep the animals in their care healthy and safe, including nutrition programs, veterinary care, facilities that ensure comfort, and good management practices, such as low-stress handling, vaccines and antibiotics, when necessary. No matter the tool, when it comes to animal health, the practices are science-based, regulated and, above all, good for the animal and the consumer.
Oklahoma Ranchers Care for their Cattle
Hear directly from Oklahoma ranchers about how they care for their animals every day.
Meet Russell & Tonya Boles
Ranching teaches you a lot about hard work, responsibility, and taking care of what you’ve been given. If I can pass those values on, then I’ve done something worthwhile.
Kate Myers - Beef for the Bank
In the heart of rural America, where grocery stores are few and far between, one young woman is proving that the next generation of agriculture is not only passionate—but purpose-driven.
White Creek Ranch
An operation that started six generations ago, now uses the latest feeding technology to background 3,500 calves each year.
Safety, Care, and Production
Safety is integral to the entire U.S. beef lifecycle, spanning from animal care on ranches to processing and consumer kitchens. Ranchers ensure herd health through nutrition programs, veterinary care, low-stress handling, and the use of vaccines and antibiotics when necessary.
Ensuring Beef Safety
Let’s explore the essential function that safety plays across the beef lifecycle journey – from the cattle ranches across the U.S., to the meat processing plants, to your kitchen table.
Animal Care
Cattle farmers and ranchers have many tools to keep the animals in their care healthy and safe, including nutrition programs, veterinary care, facilities that ensure comfort, and good management practices, such as low-stress handling, vaccines and antibiotics, when necessary.
Beef Production
Let’s explore how beef gets from pasture to plate, including what cattle eat and several popular breeds in the U.S.