According to the United States Department of Agriculture, there were 913,246 cattle ranchers in the United States as of 2012. This number has likely changed somewhat in the intervening years, but it provides a good general idea of the size of the industry. The majority of these ranchers are located in the Midwest and the West, although there are also significant numbers in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and other states. Cattle ranching is an important part of the American economy, and it plays a vital role in providing food for both humans and animals. With such a large number of ranchers spread across the country, it is no wonder that beef is one of the most popular meats in America.