Beef importation into the US



Beef importation into the US

Introduction

Production of cattle is considered as one of the most important industry in US which represents 44 billion cash receipts in 2009. Modern beef production in US is considered as a highly specialized system which includes cow-calf operators which typically graze pastureland to cattle feedlots focusing on finishing cattle on grain for slaughter.

Past History of cattle industry

In the absence of changes in the supply the population of cattle in the U.S of 89.135 million head became the lowest since 1952. US cattle industry reached its peak in 1975 when it was found at the level of 132, 028 000, but there has been a steady downward trend in the number of cattle in the country. The cycle of production and feeding of cattle has also become decreased because small producers were unable to restore their herds.

However, the reduction in livestock does not necessarily mean reducing the total beef production. American ranchers were very capable and responded quickly to the changing situation in the meat business increasing output per capita to keep costs under control. Weight indices of cattle have increased dramatically over past 30 years, helping to offset some of the reduction in the number of cattle.

In 1975, the average body weight of cattle USA (steers, calfs, cows) was 589 pounds, compared with an average weight of 791 pounds today. As a result, the number of cattle has decreased by about 32% from 1975 and the total U.S. beef production increased by 18% (USDA, 2010).

Present Statistics of Cattle Industry

U.S. Department of Cattle offers an initial assessment of the livestock calves in 2012 in its July report, but the data will still be updated to reflect the actual number for the year. On average, analysts expect herd calves in 2012 were 2.1% lower ...