First 11 months of 2014 set a new record for Nebraska beef
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
As one of the top beef producing states in the United States, Nebraska is accustomed to exporting vast amounts, but 2014 was a little extra special.
Between January and November of 2014, Nebraska exported their most beef to date – surpassing $1 billion.
“Nebraska farmers, ranchers, feedlot operators and processors work hard to produce high-quality beef products that are recognized around the world,” said Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach in a press release. “That hard work has been rewarded, as we are seeing significant growth in East Asian markets and also in several emerging markets. We are optimistic for a continued upward trend in 2015.”
Nebraska Governor Pere Ricketts sees the record beef export as a starting-off point for the success of agriculture as a whole in the state.
“Export activity like what we are seeing in the beef sector is exactly what we need to keep our Nebraska economy moving in the right direction,” he said in the release. “I am excited to further our state’s export efforts for all Nebraska agricultural goods.”
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association states more than 50% of the USA’s cattle and calf sales come from Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, California and Oklahoma, with Texas being the top producer.