Missouri Beef Facts

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Missouri Cattlemen's Association
2306 Bluff Creek Drive
Columbia, MO 65201

Phone: (573) 499-9162
Fax: (573) 499-9167

Email:
cattleinfo@mocattle.com

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Several factors have influenced the type of livestock production currently practiced in Missouri. Climate, soil types and terrain, location, availability of markets and its people have all contributed to animal agriculture in this state.

The climate of Missouri is such that livestock are not subjected to the higher temperatures of the more southerly states and the disease and pest problems associated with them. Yet it is not so far north as to require livestock to endure extremely harsh winters. Pastures receive more rainfall than in the arid southwestern states but not as much as the humid northwestern or southeastern United States.

The climate also contributes to the long growing season for native grasses and improved pasture. The northern and southeastern fertile cropland portions of the state provide feed grains while the hilly Ozark plateau is only suitable for animal agriculture. Being near the geographical and population centers of the contiguous United States allows Missouri to export animals easily for further feeding, processing or consumption.

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- Missouri Beef Statistics -

Missouri is the second leading state in the nation in the number of beef cows with 2.125 million.

Missouri ranks sixth among all states in total cattle numbers with 4.45 million.

Missouri has nearly 67,000 farms with beef or dairy cattle.

The average beef cow herd size in Missouri is 36. The average dairy herd size is 41.

The Top 10 counties for beef cow numbers are Texas, Polk, Lawrence, Barry, Bates, Howell, Greene, Johnson, Nodaway and Newton.

The Top 10 counties for dairy cow numbers are Wright, Webster, Lawrence, Laclede, Douglas, Polk, Texas, Dallas, Howell and Barry.

Annual sales for beef cattle and calves in Missouri amount to nearly $1 billion.

Missouri is the number one state for the production of purebred cattle registered seedstock that provides the genetic base for commercial cow herds.

Missouri producers have been involved in performance testing since 1958.

Missouri has approximately 12 million acres of pastureland.

Missouri has more than 4 million acres of hay production.

Information provided by Missouri Beef Industry Council and The Missouri Beef Audit: An Analysis of Missouri's Competitive Position in the Beef Industry and a Resource for Potential Investors, prepared by the University of Missouri Commercial Agriculture Program Beef Focus Team. View the complete report at http://agebb.missouri.edu/commag/beef/audit/index.htm.