After six years of declines, the U.S. cattle herd just ticked upward — and the reasons behind it say a lot about where the beef industry might be headed.
From cattle carcasses to cotton samples, the USDA is rolling out AI grading tools that are lowering costs, cutting wait times, and opening doors for smaller farming operations.
With cattle supplies historically tight and foreign ownership rising in meatpacking, the USDA is stepping in with up to $500 million to support smaller, independent beef processors.
A new USDA program called SPUR is putting real money — up to $500 million — behind smaller beef processors, with the goal of giving ranchers across the country more places to bring their cattle to market.
Casey Jentz from the American Angus Association shares insights on how ranchers can improve herd quality and meet the growing demand for high-quality beef.
USDA's latest report shows U.S. meat production on the rise, with beef and pork expected to increase significantly by 2027, even as prices shift in the marketplace.