The breeding animals are cows producing calves. The cows produce the first calf at 2 years of age and then one calf each year until 8 or 10 years old.

The meat animals are calves that nurse the cow from about 6 months and then fed to 1000-1200 pound usually about 18 months old for beef markets.

Beef cattle produce meat.

The beef cow is a ruminant which means she can eat grass and other plants to make milk for her calf and grow.

Beef cattle are raised to convert plants into meat for human consumption.

• There are several different breeds of beef cattle.
• Beef cattle can live on farms in North Carolina from the sea coast to the mountains.
• In the United States beef cattle are raised in the mountains, desert areas and in major farm areas like the Corn Belt.