U.S.: Beef Production, by year
YearProduction,
in billion pounds
202326.96
202228.29
202127.95
202027.17
201927.16
201826.87
201726.20
201625.20
201523.70
201424.25
201325.72
201226.00
201126.30
201026.40
200926.10
200826.70
200726.50
200626.20
200524.80
200424.60
200326.30
200227.20
200126.20
200026.90
  • Region: United States
  • Time period: 2000 to 2023
  • Published: Feb 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 28, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Overall Trend in Beef Production

Beef production in the United States has shown a general upward trend over the past 24 years, with total production increasing from 26.90 billion pounds in 2000 to 26.96 billion pounds in 2023. The highest production recorded was 28.29 billion pounds in 2022, indicating a significant growth in the industry over this period.

Year-to-Year Variability

Year-to-year production figures exhibit some variability, with notable fluctuations such as a decrease from 27.20 billion pounds in 2002 to 24.60 billion pounds in 2004, followed by an increase to 26.30 billion pounds by 2003. The data underscores the beef industry's resilience and ability to rebound from declines within short periods.

Recent Production Decline

A recent decline in beef production was observed from 28.29 billion pounds in 2022 to 26.96 billion pounds in 2023. This marks the first significant decrease after a period of growth, suggesting a potential shift in the industry or external factors impacting production levels.

Production Peaks and Troughs

The highest production peak occurred in 2022 with 28.29 billion pounds, while the lowest point within the last decade was 23.70 billion pounds in 2015. The data indicates a recovery and growth phase following the 2015 trough, culminating in the 2022 peak.

Comparative Analysis Over Decades

Comparing the first decade of the millennium (2000-2009) to the following years (2010-2023), the data reveals an increasing trend in beef production. The average production in the earlier decade was approximately 26.23 billion pounds, while the latter period saw an increase, with an average production climbing to around 26.77 billion pounds.

Significant Growth Post-2015

Post-2015, the beef industry experienced significant growth, with production increasing from 23.70 billion pounds in 2015 to a peak of 28.29 billion pounds in 2022. This represents a growth of approximately 19.41% over seven years, highlighting the industry's strong recovery and expansion during this time.

Stability in Early 2000s Compared to Recent Years

The early 2000s witnessed relatively stable beef production levels, with figures fluctuating narrowly around the 26 billion pounds mark. In contrast, recent years have seen more pronounced fluctuations, indicating increased volatility in beef production figures, likely influenced by changing market dynamics and external factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What has been the overall trend in beef production in the United States over the past 24 years?

There has been a general upward trend in beef production, increasing from 26.90 billion pounds in 2000 to 26.96 billion pounds in 2023, with the highest production of 28.29 billion pounds in 2022.

Terms and Definitions

Beef production refers to the entire process of raising cattle for the purpose of producing beef, which accounts for a significant percentage of the total meat production worldwide. It includes everything from breeding, feeding, and caring for cattle to slaughtering and processing the meat.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is a federal agency responsible for developing and executing federal laws related to farming, agriculture, forestry, and food. Its reports and studies, including data on beef production, are considered authoritative and widely used in industry analysis.

Livestock Units is a standardised method used to measure and compare the livestock population in different regions or countries. It takes into account the different needs and yields of various livestock types. For example, in beef production, one beef cow is typically equivalent to one livestock unit.

A feedlot is a type of animal feeding operation where cattle are fed a specific diet to prepare them for slaughter. The aim of this feeding process is to quickly increase their weight and fat content, resulting in higher yields of beef.

Grain-fed beef refers to beef from cattle that were fed a diet primarily of grains, such as corn or wheat, especially in the later stages of their life. This approach often leads to beef with higher fat content and marbling, contributing to characteristics such as tenderness and flavor.

Grass-fed beef refers to beef from cattle that were allowed to forage and graze their own food in a pasture. These animals feed on grass and other plants throughout their lives, which can result in beef with a different nutritional profile and taste compared to grain-fed beef.

A slaughterhouse, also known as an abattoir, is a facility where animals are slaughtered for consumption as food. It's an integral part of the beef production process, as it's where cattle are transformed into various cuts of beef.

Beef carcass weight refers to the weight of a beef animal's body after it has been slaughtered and the head, hide, internal organs, and feet have been removed. It also excludes the weight of the bones and certain cuts of meat. This measure is used to determine the yield of beef that can be obtained from each animal.
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