Flying Pig Cattle Co.

May is National Beef Month, and while we celebrate beef every day here at Flying Pig Cattle Co., we’re using this month as the perfect excuse to talk about one of our favorite things: cattle!

Whether you’re grilling up steaks for dinner or just curious about how beef makes its way from our pastures to your plate, here are five fun and fresh facts:

1. From Pasture to Plate – It’s a Team Effort

It takes anywhere from 18 months to 3 years to raise a single beef animal. Along the way, that animal may be cared for by two or three different farms or ranches. Each one plays a specific role—like raising calves or finishing them on grain—to make sure the beef you’re eating is the best it can be. It’s like a relay race, and every handoff matters.

2. Beef Cattle Are a Big Deal in the U.S.

As of early 2025, there are about 86.7 million cattle and calves in the U.S. Nearly 28 million of those are beef cows, with another 7.5 million beef replacement heifers. That’s a whole lot of hooves! Beef production is a major part of American agriculture, feeding millions and supporting rural communities (just like ours).

3. Most Herds Are Small—And That’s a Good Thing

Here’s something a lot of folks don’t know: the average beef herd in the U.S. is just 50 head of cattle. And get this—96% of beef farms and ranches are family-owned, many passed down for generations. That means most of the beef on your table started with hardworking family farms. We’re proud to be part of that tradition.

4. American Ranchers Are Efficient

The U.S. produces 21% of the world’s beef, more than any other country. Thanks to constant improvements in genetics, nutrition, and animal care, today’s farmers and ranchers raise more beef using fewer resources than ever before. It’s something we take seriously, because sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s how we work to continue this way of life.

5. Beef Packs a Nutritional Punch

Beef isn’t just tasty—it’s loaded with nutrients your body needs. A 3-ounce serving of beef gives you high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, all for less than 10% of your daily calorie intake. That’s a win-win in our book.

So, whether you’re celebrating National Beef Month with a backyard BBQ or just learning more about where your food comes from, we hope these facts gave you something to think about—and talk about at the dinner table.

From our pasture to your plate, we’re proud to raise beef that feeds families and supports our community.