Beef Production By State

The U.S. beef industry is the most important sector of the national agricultural economy, accounting for 22% of all cash receipts for agricultural commodities. However, by 2024, the national cattle herd will be at its lowest level in 73 years. In 2025, with the 86.7 million head, a 1% decrease from 2024, cattle prices reached record levels, quoted at US$242-246 per cwt (live weight) in August 2025. However, domestic demand has grown by 7% since the beginning of 2025, with per capita spending rising to $35.47 in April 2025, representing an increase of 9% compared to the previous year.

US beef production operates through a three-stage system that transports cattle thousands of miles. First, cow and calf operations are spread across all 50 states. Next, transition feedlots are located throughout the country. Finally, the cattle are concentrated in feedlots on the Great Plains. On average, a feedlot steer travels 1,250 miles: 700 miles as a calf, 400 miles as a steer, and 150 miles to slaughter.

The geography of feed is the most important factor in determining the top beef-producing states. The location of certain states in the Corn Belt provides an abundant supply of feed. But, even if corn comprises 60-85% of finishing diets, it only accounts for 7% of a cattle's total feed intake over its lifetime. The remaining 93% consists of forages and byproducts that are inedible to humans but that cattle can convert into high-quality protein. Since feed costs represent 75% of operating expenses for cattle producers, this explains why cow-calf operations spread across marginal lands nationwide while finishing concentrates in the Great Plains, areas that are also for grain production.

US beef production reflects a complex optimization of climate, economics, genetics, and infrastructure. This explains the Great Plains' continued dominance in beef production rankings. Our data is based on the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service information.

Texas is the largest beef-producing state with 12.2 million cattle heads, followed by Nebraska (6.05 million), Kansas (5.95 million), California (5.05 million), and Oklahoma (4.6 million). The top 5 beef-producing states account for almost 40% of the US cattle. Missouri ranks 6th in cattle production with 3.95 million head. South Dakota is the 7th largest cattle-producing state with 3.55 million. Iowa places 8th with 3.5 million. Wisconsin ranks 9th among the leading beef-producing states, with 3.25 million. Colorado completes the top 10 beef-producing states with 2.55 million cattle

Top 10 Beef-Producing States