Commodity Spotlight: Florida Cattle
July 28, 2010
One of Florida’s prominent agricultural commodities is the vibrant and diverse cattle industry. Here are some facts about the one of the nation’s largest cattle states:
- In 1521 Ponce de Leon brought horses and cattle to Florida, making it the oldest cattle-raising state in the country.
- The primary cattle related “crop” in Florida is calves. They are born and raised here, then shipped to other states where they are finished and processed into beef.
- Nationally, Florida ranked 10th in beef cattle in 2009.
- Florida’s cattle industry was a leader in the formulation and adoption of agricultural industry Water Quality Best Management Practices and other standards.
- The sale of Florida cattle pushes total yearly gate sales over a half-billion dollars.
- Nearly one-half of all Florida agricultural land is involved in cattle production (4 million acres of pastureland and 1 million acres of grazed woodland).
The Florida Cattlemen’s Association represents many of Florida’s multi-generational family ranches. This organization hopes to shed light on the importance of this industry as an integral part of Florida’s heritage, as well as our state’s future.
To learn more about the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, visit their website, FloridaCattlemen.org.
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