The Business of Beef
Demand for protein is at an all-time high. As a company that connects all parts of the food system, farmers and ranchers are pivotal in helping us deliver food to family tables. We work hand-in-hand with them to increase yields in a responsible and sustainable way. And we invest in our people and facilities to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and produce high-quality products for our customers and consumers.
The Economics of Beef
Beef processing is a dynamic business shaped by cattle supply, feed costs, and consumer demand. In recent years, drought and declining herd sizes have placed pressure on U.S. beef operations, tightening cattle supplies and raising costs. Despite these challenges, Cargill remains a global leader, processing over seven million cattle annually and producing nearly eleven billion pounds of boxed beef and byproducts across North America.
To meet these challenges head-on, we’re investing in technology and efficiency. For example, our $90 million automation upgrade at the Fort Morgan, Colorado, plant enhances safety, reduces waste, and allows employees to focus on higher-skilled roles. These innovations build resilience into the beef supply chain and strengthen our ability to deliver high-quality products around the world.
Commitment to Farmers & Ranchers
Cargill’s success is rooted in the strength of our partnerships with farmers and ranchers. We work side by side with producers to integrate climate-smart practices—such as rotational grazing, improved feed efficiency, and soil health management —that benefit both the environment and long-term herd productivity.
When ranchers adopt these approaches, the benefits extend well beyond the pasture: healthier ecosystems, more resilient operations in the face of drought, and stronger consumer trust in how beef is raised. By collaborating with producers, we help ensure the beef supply chain is both sustainable and profitable for the next generation of ranching families.
Supporting Communities
Cargill’s impact extends beyond cattle and production—it’s about people. Our beef facilities employ thousands across North America, providing stable jobs and contributing to local economies. We invest in workforce safety, education, and training so that employees can move into more advanced roles as automation expands.
We also support the communities where we operate through local giving, food security initiatives, and disaster relief efforts. Globally, Cargill donated more than $115 million in fiscal year 2024 to strengthen communities, with a focus on nutrition, education, and farmer prosperity.
By combining economic responsibility, deep relationships with ranchers, and community support, Cargill continues to advance the business of beef—building a supply chain that can nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way.