Beef Facts!
behind broilers in cash receipts among Alabama farm commodities. Alabama cattle producers sold over $469 million worth of cattle and calves last year. Cattle are produced in every county and cattle production represents a $3 billion industry in Alabama. The state's climate and land is ideally suited for raising cattle.

Cattle Numbers Increase;

Alabama Still Needs More Cows

According to figures released by the Alabama Agricultural Statistics Service, on Jan. 1 Alabama producers had 1,320,000 head of cattle and calves on Alabama farms. This is an increase of 40,000 head over last year which also saw a large number of cattle go to market because of extreme drought conditions.

As of Jan. 1, there were 717,000 beef cows that have calved, an increase of 21,000 head from earlier year figures. The state ranks 16th among all states in beef cow numbers.

Nationally, 2006 was another year of near record beef production although the number of cattle is 25 percent lower than 25 years ago. Carcass weights have increased steadily from 550 pounds to over 825 pounds, resulting in much more beef per head. Not only are the cattle bigger but these larger cattle are producing beef that is much leaner. This is a result of improved genetics and better management.

Value of Cattle Inventory and Hay Crops

The total value of cattle on Alabama farms as of January 1, 2006 exceeded $1 billion for the first time in history, standing at $1,049,600. The value per head was an all-time high of $820, which is an increase of over $50 per head from last year.

Alabama produces a lot of hay each year. In 2005, hay was harvested from 730,000 acres and the total value of the hay crop was $112 million. Cullman leads the state with 34,000 acres in hay production followed by Lauderdale, Jackson, Morgan, DeKalb, Limestone, Marshall, and Lawrence counties.

Beef Still in Demand

Beef demand has risen 25% since 1999, resulting in strong feeder calf prices for our producers. The value added, convenient beef products, which can be prepared in the microwave in seven minutes, have contributed to the increase in consumer demand. Producer checkoff dollars stimulated the development of, and helped publicize these new beef products.

Ninth in Number of Beef Cattle Farms

Alabama ranks ninth in the U.S. among all states in the number of farms with beef cows during 2005. USDA figures show there are 23,000 farms in the state with one or more head of beef cows that have calved. This is the same as reported last year. Only Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Kentucky, Kansas, and Iowa have more beef cattle farms.

Alabama cattle producers primarily are cow-calf producers with feeder calves shipped to feedlots for finishing. A statewide network of 24 stockyards, the fewest in history, provides easy and ready markets for Alabama cattlemen.

Forage is Number One Resource

Producers have the climate needed to excel in forage production. Rainfall averages exceeding 55 inches and a mild climate, ensures nearly year round grazing. The wide variety of perennial forages coupled with cool season grasses and clovers offer cattlemen the opportunity to wean heavy calves and also to carry these calves past weaning in a stocker program.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
Alston to celebrate 103rd birthday July 6	1
Godbold-Fleming marry in British Virgin Islands	1
Longtime county lawman retiring	1
CCHS releases honor rolls for third nine weeks	1
Bulldogs christen new field with DH sweep	1
Johnny Estis still going strong at 80, repairing broken TVs, other electronics	1
A Christmas present for CCHS students	1
Clarke County Jail bookings detailed	1
Memoriam	1
Marijuana prevalent in county jail bookings	1