The cattle industry has a major economic impact in Iowa, according to results of a new study commissioned by the Iowa Beef Industry Council. The analysis was conducted by Iowa State University and Assistant Professor of Economics Dr. Lee Schulz says the estimated 28,000 cattle operations and 3.85 million head of cattle and calves in Iowa generate some serious economic activity.
He says around a quarter of the 1.76 million fed cattle raised in Iowa are processed at harvest facilities within the state, which also contributes to the $6 billion total.
However, Schulz says these figures also indicate there is room for growth in beef processing and cattle feeding in Iowa. Plus, he says there are opportunities to expand sales of high quality beef for domestic and international markets.
The study also shows Iowa’s beef industry supported an estimated 32,317 jobs in 2016. Of this, the industry directly employed 19,528 people.
