May is National Beef Month

Mark Z. Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension Beef Cattle Breeding Specialist

 

May is National Beef Month. It is a month long celebration to recognize the importance of the beef industry and honor the hard-working farmers and ranchers who raise cattle. This is a time to appreciate beef as part of our diet and an opportunity to highlight the nutritional benefits and versatility of beef, as well as its role in American meals and cultural celebrations. Beef month aims to encourage consumers to purchase and enjoy beef, and support those who produce it.

 

In 2025, this annual event takes place at a time when there is much to celebrate in our industry. For example:

 

  • Over the past month, ample rainfall over the majority Oklahoma has greened up pastures eased drought concerns.

 

  • Price increases in the fed cattle market as wholesalers and retailers have been preparing for the spike in consumer beef buying associated with warmer weather and holiday grilling demand. Looking ahead, supplies of fed cattle are expected to remain limited with only a modest increase in harvest pace. A higher fed market is expected as spring demand and grilling season will be in full swing.

 

  • Consumers continue to demand quality and the industry is responding with the supply. The latest data shows Quality Grade Prime carcasses comprised 12% of the harvest mix of fed steers and heifers over the past four week. This adds to the historic stretch of seven straight weeks in which the percentage of Prime carcasses is greater than the percentage of Select.

 

  • The latest USDA on Feed report showed that as of April 1st, heifers made up 37.6% of on-feed inventories, the lowest rate since April 2020. With the last three years averaging 39.3 heifers on feed, this can be interpreted as a preliminary signal that mild levels of heifer retention are starting to occur.  


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