Editor’s Note: This article is part of the Drovers 2024 State of the Beef Industry report, which includes an exclusive survey of cattle producers and their thoughts on numerous topics of importance to the future of their operations. To download the full report, click here.
In 2023, the State of the Industry Report asked about five aspects related to consumer pressure and expectations for change in the future: environmental impact, animal welfare, sustainable practices and desire of high-quality beef. In every instance, a strong majority of producers either agreed or strongly agreed each of those items will be increasingly important in the years to come. The numbers in 2024 line up almost exactly with 2023.
The survey report summarizes it succinctly: Producers foresee continued industry change ahead, mostly driven by consumer pressure.
Viability is Top of Mind
Despite the challenges, producers are thinking to the future with plans to add a family member and grow their herd size. In fact, 54% of producers in this year’s survey indicate they plan to add a family member to the operation (versus 51% in 2023).
Even though it doesn’t appear the business will see rapid rebuilding, there are indications many of these operations are viable and plan on remaining that way in the future. That’s certainly a sign of brewing optimism among the respondents.
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