Responding to the challenges of our competitive free-market system, cattlemen use efficient production methods to provide consumers with a safe and wholesome product. They supply one of the most nutritious and flavorful foods available to consumers today. The cattle industry is important to America. There are more than one million cattle operations in the country, plus 200,000 dairy farms which also provide beef to consumers. Cattle and calves are the single largest segment of American agriculture - cattle are produced on farms and ranches in more states and regions than any other agricultural commodity.
American cattlemen are independent entrepreneurs.
They produce and sell cattle in an open market. Prices for cattle and beef are determined solely by supply and demand at the time of sale. Increased competition in the meat and food business has led cattlemen to adopt new technologies and to dramatically improve production efficiencies in recent years. American cattle producers are committed to producing a safe wholesome beef product for domestic and international consumers. They are also committed to providing humane care for their livestock, while conserving natural resources and preserving the land they use for future generations.