Below you will find a brief overview of the cattle industry. You will learn more about:
- Cattle as nutrient upcyclers
- Careers in the cattle industry
- Cattle industry facts and figures
This portal provides a mix of information providing education on the cattle industry. This portal is appropriate for anyone interested in learning more about the topic.
Cattle are Nutrient Upcyclers
Cattle are NUTRIENT UPCYCLERS!
What is “upcycling”? When cattle graze, their ruminant digestive system turns things humans can’t eat, like grass, other forages, and byproducts - such as distillers grain, cottonseed, and beet pulp - into high-quality protein and micronutrients for human consumption – a process called upcycling. (Beef. It's What's For Dinner)
Learn more by visiting an article written by Beef. It's What's For Dinner.
Beef Grades
The infographic below shows the grades of beef (developed by Beef. It's What's For Dinner.) Learn the difference between beef grades Prime, Choice and Select, what to look for when buying beef and how to understand the label.
From Birth to Steak - A Look At Where Your Beef Comes From
Learn about the different stages as cattle move from calves to weaning, finishing and processing where it becomes nutritious and delicious food.
Careers in the Cattle Industry
AUCTIONEER
Meet Will Epperly, 2022 World Champion Auctioneer! Hear how Will got started auctioneering, why the auction method is so successful and what his work will be as world champion. Spoiler alert, Will discusses his Champion position and how he plans to be active in legislative advocacy.
Veterinarian
Meet Dr. Emily Winebarger Hoss and listen to her discuss what it is like to be a veterinarian, how she came to realize her passion for animals and her journey through vet school. She also offers advice for others seeking the same education.
Livestock Grader
Livestock graders serve the purpose of assuring that accurate grades are placed on livestock or meat that is sold according to standards set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Visit the Ag Careers site to learn more about the position, the education required, responsibilities and where you would likely work.
Cattle Industry Facts and Figures
Beef Cattle Production and Lifecycle
Learn the three general categories of beef cattle production, and how beef cattle are bred and raised to withhold different roles within the system to help maintain the industry.
Read the entire blog.
Learn about Beef Facts from a national perspective.
Fun facts about cattle.
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These materials are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal, financial, tax, or investment advice on any matter. We do not warrant that the materials provided are current and up-to-date with applicable laws and practices. You should not act or refrain from acting based on these materials or the information they contain without seeking legal advice from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction or other appropriate professional. To the fullest extent provided by law, Farm Credit of the Virginias, ACA will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on these materials or any information contained in these materials. Your use of the materials is at your own risk, and by accessing the materials, you hereby waive and hold harmless Farm Credit of the Virginias from any claims resulting therefrom.
