Most Beef In The US Comes From This Breed Of Cattle

Beef is a true American staple. Statista reports that the U.S. alone produced 27.17 billion pounds of meat in 2022, making it the largest beef producer and consumer in the world. And with the help of fast food restaurants, the average American consumes about 60 burgers a year (via SWNS Digital). But who can blame us? According to Popular Science, after Europeans stole New World land from the Native people who occupied it, they had acres of fauna fit for feeding cows as well as other non-indigenous domesticated animals.

Eventually, one livestock that came to dominate was the Black Angus, notable for its charcoal color, lack of horns, and massive presence, weighing anywhere from 1,000-1,300 pounds (453.6-589.7 kg) (via Cosley Zoo). Britannica claims that the breed is related to Galloway cattle and, over the years, has developed a color mutation that sometimes allows for the Black Angus to become the Red Angus, though there are no true differences between the meat.

According to AGDAILY, Black Angus cattle are the primary breed in the United States, with Montana currently leading as the largest state holder of the cow, followed next by Nebraska, and then Texas. With more than 304,577 animals registered in 2019, you've got to ask, "What makes Angus cattle so special?" Well, it all comes down to the quality of the meat. Those particular cattle are known to produce flavorful, tender, juicy, and well-marbled beef perfect for old-fashioned beef stew, sous-vide rib eye, and red wine-braised short ribs (via Ward's Gainesville).

Angus cattle are carefully graded, states the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and are categorized as "Prime" or "Choice." Prime Angus is well-marbled and fantastic for broiling, roasting, and grilling, whereas Choice Angus has less marbling but is super tender. The Black Angus, aka Aberdeen Angus, was brought to Kansas from Northeast Scotland during the mid-nineteenth century and now makes up 70% of United States herds (via American Cowboy).