LUBBOCK, TX – The cattle sector remains the largest U.S. ag industry, accounting for 22 percent of total commodity cash receipts in 2024.
Beef production is separate from dairy and focuses on high-value, grain-fed beef. U.S. beef operations cycle through herd expansions and contractions over 8–12 years based on climate, costs, and market conditions.
The national herd peaked at 94.7 million in 2019 but declined to 86.7 million by early 2025.
Most cow-calf operations raise calves on forage until weaning, after which they are sold or retained. Calves destined for slaughter enter feedlots through grazing, preconditioning, or backgrounding programs. Feedlots finish cattle on high-grain rations to meet quality grade targets. Though most feedlots are small, large operations manage the majority of fed cattle marketed each year.