Raising Beef
Raising beef is a complex process, but throughout the entire journey, one thing remains constant – the shared commitment to raising cattle in a safe, humane and environmentally sustainable way. Currently, more than 90% of U.S. farms and ranches are family-owned and operated. Learn more about the people who are invested in raising high-quality, sustainable beef for generations to come.
Know Your Beef Choices
Like the farmers and ranchers who choose how best to raise their cattle for beef, you have choices when it comes to the beef you buy. Cattle are raised responsibly and beef is safe, wholesome and nutritious – but you may see a variety of statements that reflect different production practices on beef packages in your grocery store or on a menu. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approves these labels for beef based on specific criteria.
Utah Beef Industry Facts At A Glance: Ranchers and beef producers contribute to rural economies, care for natural resources, and produce high-quality beef to feed families in Utah and around the world.
Head of cattle in Utah
of the farms & ranches in utah are owned by families or individuals
in utah's cash receipts by commodity
total from utah beef exports
in cash receipts for utah cattle & calves
Looking for Local Beef?
There are so many choices of beef and we want to help you find the best option for you and connect you with local beef farmers/ranchers. We've assembled a local beef directory to help connect you with options to purchase beef directly from beef farmers.
Stronger Communities
Pearson Ranch
Minersville
Pearson Ranch is a renowned, family-owned agricultural operation located in Minersville, Utah. Managed by the Pearson family, the ranch runs a 600-head cow-calf operation and produces feed like alfalfa, corn, and cover crops across Millard, Beaver, and Iron counties.
Canyon Meadows Ranch
Altamont
Three generations of the Myrin family have built the ranch which is located near the southern slope of the Uintah Mountains and has a diverse makeup. They raise high quality natural grass fed beef with sound land stewardship practices providing wildlife habitat and open spaces. They have been selling our grass fed beef direct to the public since 2008.
Half Circle Cross Ranch
Coalville
The Half Circle Cross Ranch in Coalville, Utah, is a third-generation, family-owned cattle operation managed by Colby and McKenzie Pace. Operating across thousands of acres in the Wasatch Mountains and Chalk Creek, it is widely celebrated as a model of sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
Bennion Ranch
Vernon
Bennion Ranch is a historic, 5th-generation family-owned cattle ranch in the West Desert near Vernon, Utah. Spanning 2,000 private and 6,000 Forest Service acres, it is famous for producing Premium American Wagyu beef and winning the 2023 Utah Leopold Conservation Award for its sustainable, regenerative agricultural practices.
JY Ferry & Son
Corinne
JY Ferry & Son, Inc. is a historic, family-owned farm and cattle ranch in Corinne, Utah, operating for over 125 years. Established in 1900, the multi-generational operation spans roughly 20,000 acres and integrates large-scale crop production, cattle ranching, and award-winning wetland conservation.
Flying M Munns Ranch
Hansel Valley
Flying M Ranch, owned by Tim and Laurie Munns, is a highly regarded working cattle and agribusiness located in Hansel Valley, Box Elder County, Utah. The renowned ranch was named the recipient of the prestigious Utah Leopold Conservation Award for its innovative environmental stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices.
The Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Program
The beef community has a long-standing commitment to caring for their animals and providing families with the safest, highest-quality beef possible. The Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program trains farmers and ranchers on best practice cattle management techniques to ensure their animals and the environment are cared for.