July is Beef month
Ag News and Notes
While the grills are still cooling down after the holiday weekend, I thought this would be a good time to remind everyone that July is Beef Month. As we are in the heart of grilling season, it seems fitting to take a closer look at the beef industry, its importance to Warren County, and why demand for beef shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, there were 31,722 cattle and calves in Warren County, with 30,703 acres devoted to pastureland. Based on the value of cattle and calf sales, Warren County ranked second in the state for total cattle sales. While this data is now a few years old and some numbers have likely changed, the message remains clear: beef is big business in Warren County.
Last year, The Beef Checkoff conducted a study that revealed several interesting trends within the industry. Despite high prices and ongoing economic uncertainty, demand for beef remains strong. Nationally, beef generated $40 billion in retail sales and accounted for 55% of all fresh meat sales. The study also highlighted several consumer trends that demonstrate just how strong demand for beef continues to be.
When comparing market share among protein sources, beef led the way at 55%, followed by chicken at 37%, pork at 12%, and turkey at 4%, with the remaining 2% categorized as “other.” Fresh ground beef accounts for approximately half of all beef sales by volume in retail meat cases and 36% of dollar sales. Steaks account for more than one-third of total beef dollar sales.
The study also noted that beef appears on 88% of restaurant menus across the United States. Additionally, weekly consumption of meat alternatives continues to decline, dropping seven percentage points since 2021. If you are interested in learning more about the study, visit BeefResearch.org.
Farmer's Market
The other day, a fellow Extension agent from another county asked about our Farmers Market. After describing it as best I could, I asked how things were going in his county. As he outlined the limitations and challenges, they face, I realized that Warren County has another area where we stand out from the crowd.
We are blessed with excellent facility, dedicated vendors, and, most importantly, loyal customers who support the market. We are now entering peak season, with most fruits and vegetables available locally. In addition to fresh produce, shoppers can find baked goods, honey, and many other locally produced items.
Beginning this week, the market will be open on Tuesday evenings from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., as well as during its regular Wednesday and Saturday morning hours. I encourage everyone to stop by. There is truly something for everyone, and you'll be supporting local farmers and purchasing fresh products from your neighbors right here in Warren County.
Programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and resource development. University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture and county governments cooperating. UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
The University of Tennessee does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status in the provision of educational programs and services or employment opportunities and benefits. This policy extends both to employment by and admission to the University.
Real. Life. Solutions.
Contact: Heath Nokes, UT-TSU Extension Warren County, (931) 473-8484 hnokes@utk.edu
