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Exploring Beef Production in New York 

Agriculture is important to New York State. The value of agricultural production was over $5.40 billion in 2017.  About 23 percent of the state’s land area, or 7 million acres, are used by the 33,000 farms to produce a very diverse array of food products. 

Livestock and dairy production is the largest sector of NYS agriculture and provided $3.2 billion value of production to farmers in 2017.


beef by the numbers 

NEW YORK STATE HAS A ROBUST CATTLE INDUSTRY WITH BEEF AND DAIRY FARMS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE GREAT MAJORITY OF COUNTIES. THE STATE HOUSES OVER 1 MILLION HEAD OF CATTLE. THE LARGEST BEEF PRODUCING COUNTY IN NY IS STEUBEN COUNTY WITH OVER 8,000 HEAD REPORTED IN THE 2017 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE.

NY Infographics-2019_v3-1

New York State has a diverse landscape and different regions lend themselves to high dairy or beef production based on population, land type, and cost of production. 


the people behind beef 

NEW YORK’S BEEF COMMUNITY IS MADE UP OF HARD WORKING AND DEDICATED MEN AND WOMEN. SIMILAR TO THE NATIONAL AVERAGE, 92% OF FARMS IN NY ARE FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED. 

NY Infographics-2019_v3-2
New York is home to a vibrant beef industry, made up of many small family-run farms, averaging 15 head.  The success of our industry is due to the hard work and dedication of the men and women who work tirelessly to provide the best care for their animals and produce the highest quality beef. 


Keep Exploring... 

Beef and Sustainability 

Cattle farmers throughout the United States care for their cattle and land. From individual farms to industry wide standards the beef industry is continuously working towards a sustainable future. 

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The Beef Production Story 

The process of raising beef is among the most complex of any food. Across this journey, one primary thing remains constant – the beef community’s shared commitment to raising cattle in a safe and environmentally sustainable way.

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Beef Choices

close up cow face

Beef is extremely unique in that it is raised in every region of the country and there is no one way to raise and finish a beef animal! Learn more about  different production practices and beef labels.

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