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.
Key Facts About New York's Beef Industry
- 95% of New York farms are family-owned, reflecting a strong tradition of hands-on, generational care in cattle farming.
- There are 1.4 million head of cattle across the state, including: 631,199 milk cows 102,671 beef cows
- New York ranks 5th in the nation for dairy production, underlining the state's dual strength in both dairy and beef.
- The average beef cow herd is 16 head, and 96% of beef farms have between 1 and 49 head, highlighting the importance of small, local operations.
- 38% of producers are female and the average age of a New York farmer is 57
- There are nearly 10,000 farms and ranches with cattle and calves statewide.
- Cattle and calves generated $359 million in cash receipts in 2022, making them the 4th largest agricultural commodity in New York.
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.
EXPLORING THE BEEF LIFECYCLE
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.
Beef Choices
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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