CattleProduction
This map shows the amount of beef cattle produced in each state. The total number of beef cattle registered by the 2012 census was 22,692,921 cattle. Texas was found to have the highest beef production reported, producing about 3 million cattle in 2012 alone.
This map shows the amount of dairy cattle produced in each state.The total number of dairy cattle registered was much less than beef cattle, coming out to a total of 7,553,239 dairy cattle produced in the United States, with California and Wisconsin being the leading producers of dairy cattle.
This map shows the amount of dairy and beef cattle that are on feed in the United States. The reason why there are a number of states missing is because data was not obtained from these states. This census only recorded that 11,426,784 cattle in the United States are fed feed. Using just the numbers from this census, that means that almost 40% of cattle are on feed.
Data obtained from the 2012 USDA beef cattle census
Map obtained from DIVA-GIS
Data obtained from the 2012 USDA dairy cattle census
Map obtained from DIVA-GIS
Data obtained from the 2012 USDA feed cattle cenus
Map obtained from DIVA-GIS
Where are the cattle?
Maps on Cattle Production in the United States
All of the data for these maps was obtained from the USDA 2012 Cattle Census. The purpose of these maps was to locate where the highest number's of livestock on feed are in order highlight where the problems in the beef industry are geographically located.
Conclusions
These maps reveal that the states that produce the highest amount of beef cattle also have the highest values for cattle on feed. These states include Texas, Nebraska and Kansas. This trend is compelling and rational when examining the benefits of using feed. Feed helps cattle to gain weight quicker which allows them to reach market weight faster, thus adding to the efficient of the industry. Feed is still used throughout the dairy industry and this is also shown in the maps. The number of cattle on feed are still quite high for California and Wisconsin, which recorded the highest number of dairy cattle in the U.S. in 2012. Overall the main conclusion that can be drawn from the maps and the data is that almost 40% of the United States cattle are on feed, and this value is not taking into account 13 states. This problem is not just a regional problem, but a national problem which needs to be addressed in order to create a sustainable beef industry.