Raising Beef In Iowa
From the rolling heartland to feedlots across the state, raising beef in Iowa is a year-round commitment shared by nearly 30,000 farm and ranch families. While the work is complex and demanding, their focus stays the same: caring for cattle responsibly and producing safe, high-quality beef for families everywhere.
The #'s Behind Iowa Beef
Get the full picture of Iowa's beef industry: from operations and rankings to economic impact and employment. Here are the facts that matter.
Iowa Beef Industry Facts At A Glance:
21,750
Cattle Farms
$9.45B
In Business Activity
4th
in the nation for cattle on fed
16.7K
Direct jobs in the cattle industry
1.2M
Head of Cattle on feed
Stronger Communities:
Smith Family Farms
Bankston, Iowa
Since 1853, the Smith family has used cattle, cover crops and conservation practices to help improve the land for future generations.
Meet The Smiths
Triple M Dairy
West Union, Iowa
For the Streifs, “simple” means taking pride in doing the basics well; with care, attention to detail, and a deep commitment to the animals, the land, and the people who depend on them.
Meet The Striefs
Henderson Cattle Inc.
Albia, Iowa
With a dedication to soil health and sustainable cattle management, this family’s ultimate goal is to cultivate a legacy of healthy soil, healthy cattle, and nutritious beef.
Meet The HendersonsLamoni Livestock Auction
Every sale represents a producer's livelihood, which is why trust and accountability guide every decision at Lamoni Livestock Auction Market.
Kennedy Cattle Company
Brothers Zak and Mitch Kennedy continue a family farming legacy by combining generations of experience with modern cattle care practices to raise safe, wholesome beef for today's consumers.
Peters Beef Genetics
At Peters Beef Genetics, every family member plays a role in raising cattle and producing wholesome beef for families across Iowa and beyond.
CNN Cattle Company
At CNN Cattle Company, Carrie and Nate Horman raise premium cattle and mentor the next generation of Iowa beef farmers.
The Peterson Family
Curt and Kaylene Peterson have built more than a cattle operation, they've created a family legacy rooted in the beef industry.
Plowman Farms, Inc.
Plowman Farms is committed to preserving a family farming legacy by caring for livestock, supporting the community and creating opportunities for future generations.
Flexsenhar Farms
The Bryan Flexsenhar family in Buchanan County opened their home and shared their family values of growing things.
Iowa Local Beef Directory
Looking for local beef? Our directory puts you in touch with Iowa farmers and ranchers ready to sell quality beef directly to you.
Triple U Ranch
Craig and Elaine Utesch family of Triple U Ranch in Washta, Iowa in both Cherokee and Woodbury counties, are passionate about the beef industry and proud of the cattle they raise to help feed their community and nation.
Hanrahan Ranch
The Hanahan family believes stewardship means caring for something larger than yourself. Through thoughtful management of their cattle, land and natural resources, they strive to make a positive impact today while preparing for tomorrow.
Rowe's Red Cows
The Rowe family opens their farm gates to help consumers experience the journey from pasture to plate.
The Wulf Family
Dresden Wulf combines her passion for cattle, education and advocacy to help students and consumers better understand modern beef production.
Hope Dolman
Raised on a family beef operation, Hope Dohlman is pursuing a career in veterinary medicine to help care for animals and support the farmers and ranchers who raise them.
Beef Quality Assurance: Raising The Bar On Raising Cattle
The beef community has a long-standing commitment to caring for their animals and providing families with the safest, highest-quality beef possible. The Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program trains farmers and ranchers on best practice cattle management techniques to ensure their animals and the environment are cared for.
Farm Resources
Production Story
Across the journey of raising beef, one thing remains constant – the beef community’s shared commitment to raising cattle in a safe and environmentally sustainable way.
Beef Safety
Safety plays an essential function across the beef lifecycle journey – from the cattle ranches across the U.S., to the meat processing plants, to your kitchen table.
Beef Sustainability
A sustainable food supply balances efficient production with environmental, social and economic impacts with Beef Quality Assurance protocols.
Rethink the Ranch
Much has changed since the days of cowboys, cattle drives and the Old West. Today, it's more about drones, apps and computers. Join us as we travel across the country talking to real, modern ranchers about how they care for the cattle, what inspires them and why they work so hard day after day.