From the Field to Your Plate: How Corn Benefits Beef

May is Beef Month, and as we gear up for grilling season and family gatherings, we’re highlighting corn's role in bringing beef to our dinner plates. 

Corn in Cattle Feed

In Tennessee, corn is harvested in 94 of Tennessee’s 95 counties. Annually, farmers across our state grow 161 million bushels of corn – a significant portion of which contributes directly to another vital industry: beef production. 

In Tennessee alone, there are over 835,000 cattle. That’s a whole lot of cows to feed. The fields of corn you drive past this summer later become an essential part of the diets of beef cattle. Approximately 1.9 billion bushels of corn are fed to cattle nationwide each year.

Why Corn Matters

When corn is harvested, some of it is used to feed beef cattle. Why corn? Corn is packed with energy. This means cattle not only grow healthier but also faster. But the best part? Adding corn to cattle diets increases the marble score of steaks – a factor that denotes quality and flavor in beef. Those little white flecks you see in steaks are what make them extra tender and juicy. 

In fact, animal nutritionists and cattle farmers prefer corn-based diets because it significantly enhances the meat’s taste, tenderness, and juiciness – all qualities appreciated in a good steak.

Helpful Tip: Most cattle are raised on corn, so if a package doesn't state otherwise, you can assume that the beef was corn-fed.

Sustainable Farming

Tennessee corn farmers don’t just grow corn for the sake of it. They are committed to protecting the environment. Farming techniques like no-till, where farmers plant without disturbing the soil, help prevent erosion. Better soil health means better corn, and ultimately, better beef. 

Corn and Beef: A Mutually Beneficial Relationship

When you choose local beef, you're indirectly supporting corn farmers. Corn provides the nutrients cattle need, contributing to the flavorful, high-quality beef we enjoy. In return, the beef industry supports corn growers by being the primary consumer of their crop, creating a cycle that benefits both sectors. 

Want to buy local beef? The Tennessee Beef Council has a directory of grocery stores, independent farmers, ranchers, and butcher shops, check it out!

To sum it all up…

Celebrating Beef Month isn't just about enjoying great food; it's about appreciating the land, the people, and the processes that make it all possible. The next time you sit down to enjoy delicious beef, it’s worth remembering the role of Tennessee-grown corn in bringing your meal to the table. 

Want to learn more about all the ways corn fuels your daily life? Explore more articles about the uses of corn here!