Farm Facts: Beef
September 1, 2010 By adminBeef up your knowledge with these facts on the cattle industry, the largest segment of American agriculture.
• There are more than 800,000 ranchers and cattle producers in the United States.
• Every day, 76 million Americans eat beef.
• Beef is one of the most important dietary sources of iron. To obtain the same amount of iron found in a 3 ounce serving of beef, you’d have to eat at least 3 cups of raw spinach.
• Lean beef is just as effective as chicken when it comes to lowering blood cholesterol levels
• More than 97 percent of beef cattle farms and ranches are classified as family farms.
• More beef is consumed on Memorial Day than any other day of the year. The Fourth of July and Labor Day typically tie for the second most popular beef-eating days.
• Beef is meat from full-grown cattle about 2 years old.
• A live steer weighs about 1,000 pounds and yields about 450 pounds of edible meat.
• Indiana has more than 19,000 sites engaged in beef production with a total of 960,000 head of cattle.
• The average American consumes about 66 pounds of beef per year.
• Beef is filled with nutrients including protein, iron, zinc and vitamin B12.
Related content:
Flank Steak with Ginger Soy Honey Marinade
Grilled Flat-Iron Steak with Spicy Rub
Sources:
BSEInfo.org
Georgia Cattlemen’s Association
Texas Beef Council
Hopkins Technology
Beef Bites
Indiana Beef Council
