Beef’s getting better, to judge by the uptrend in quality grades and resurgent consumer demand. However, an increasing share of that demand has been for ground beef – and an average pound of that versatile staple now sells for more than $4. Last year a Rabobank AgriFinance white paper entitled “Ground Beef Nation” (GBN) questioned the industry’s priorities now that Americans consume 11 billion hamburgers each year. It called for greater efficiency and retooling to fit a changed market for one-third to half of young cattle, and warned business as usual could lead to weakened market share for beef over time.
Some say that’s the origin of the popular “urban legend” in the Angus breed: high marbling potential is for “terminal” cattle, because they don’t make good mamas.
The Certified Angus Beef® brand goes beyond fresh beef to add value to high quality Angus cattle. Since its launch in 1978, demand for premium and further-processed items, like deli meats and frankfurters, has brought more value for producers and choices for consumers.
Marbling in cattle—the taste fat—was long considered the feedlot’s responsibility, until research pointed to opportunities all the way back to the ranch.
Winners of the Kansas Angus Association’s 2014 Carcass Data Project (CDP) are old hands at raising high-quality cattle.
The top three contestants had elite level scores, but John Wendling’s winning entry stands out above the rest.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, we will assume that you are in agreement.
