RAISING BEEF IN Pennsylvania
Raising beef is a complex process, but throughout the entire journey, one thing remains constant – the shared commitment to raising cattle in a safe, humane and environmentally sustainable way by using the latest technology and resources.
Agriculture plays a major role in sustaining the Pennsylvania families who raise beef, all while sustaining the families who eat beef with a wholesome, flavor-packed protein.
How Beef is Raised and the Pennsylvania Beef Community:
Study shares pa's beef industry impact on economy
A study of Pennsylvania's beef industry looks at the economic contributions and multiplier effects. The study was commissioned by Beef Industry Stakeholders. Two one-page Infographics share How Beef Contributes to the Economy and Beef's Overall Contribution.
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.
Pennsylvania’s Beef Community
Have you ever wondered where your food comes from? How it got from the farm to your fork? We have answers for you! Pennsylvania’s 53,000 farm families are stewards of more than 7.7 million acres of farmland. In Pennsylvania people outnumber cattle 12.6:1. We are home to nearly 23,000 cattle farms, including nearly 8,800 beef cattle farms.
Behind the Beef
Have you wondered where your food comes from? How it gets from the farm to your plate? We have the answers you are looking for! Pennsylvania is home to 23,000 cattle farms, including nearly 8,800 beef cattle farms. The producers work hard every day to provide you and your family with healthy and wholesome beef!
The Beef Lifecycle
The journey of raising beef is among the most complex of any food. Due in part to their changing nutritional needs throughout their lifetime, beef cattle often times will change hands and ownership up to three or four times, over the course of two to three years, as they move through their various life stages.
To the beef community, sustainability involves more than environmental considerations. A sustainable food supply balances efficient production with environmental, social and economic impacts with Beef Quality Assurance protocols.
PA BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE
Learn more about the program designed to give producers the opportunity to be trained in best management practices to ensure proper animal care on the farm to provide a safe, wholesome, quality beef product for the end consumer to enjoy!
Beef choices
We are lucky to have lots of great choices of safe, nutritious and delicious beef! No matter your preference, there is a tasty and nutritious beef option for you! We will break down your options.
ANIMAL CARE AND THE MODERN beef producer
Beef producers have many tools to keep the animals in their care healthy and safe, including nutrition programs, veterinary care and good management practices that are science-based, regulated and, above all, good for the animal and the consumer.
ENSURING BEEF SAFETY
From farm to fork, everyone plays an important role in 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.
Farm to School
Deer Lakes School District is joining a growing movement to expand Farm to School in Pennsylvania.
Want to buy local beef?
How Do I buy directly from local farmers?
Interested in buying beef directly from local producers? Meet the farms and the people behind beef that are located near you!
How much beef do I get?
Buying beef directly from local producers often involves purchasing a half or quarter share of a live animal. Understanding roughly how much beef you will receive is key to having a great experience and getting the value you seek.
Learn More
Farm Family Recipes
Try out some Farm Family Recipes that originated on the farm. These yummy and hearty recipes were crafted by farm families across America. These are sure to be a favorite around your dinner table!