Economic Importance of Iowa's Beef Industry

Iowa State University partnered with the Iowa Beef Industry Council to conduct an economic contribution study of the Iowa beef industry. A study of this magnitude is important to the state’s beef industry to further understand the economic importance and value added opportunities that exist for the industry. The objectives of this study include four main components: • Describe the current state of the beef industry in Iowa as it relates to production and marketing trends and economic activity generated through each sector of the industry. • Provide estimates of the total economic contribution of beef cattle production in Iowa. • Provide estimates of the total economic contribution of the cattle slaughter and beef processing sector in Iowa. • Identify opportunities for beef industry growth in Iowa.