There are more than 70 recognized cattle breeds in the United States, so it’s understandable how it can be difficult to identify each one. Yet despite the total number out there, only a small number of cattle breeds (less than 20) make up the majority of the genetics used in the U.S. for commercial beef production. And each breed has unique resources and management strategies available to them.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, there are 28.2 million beef cattle in the United States as of Jan. 1, 2024, which is down 2 percent from 2023. The 2024 numbers mark the smallest beef herd size in the United States since 1951.
“Over the last few years, drought and high supply costs led many farmers to market cattle, particularly female cattle that would typically be held back for replacement (breeding) purposes,” the American Farm Bureau Federation said.
Here are the most popular U.S. beef cattle breeds according to the U.S. Cattlemen’s Beef Board.
Black Angus
Black Angus is the most common breed of beef cattle in the U.S., with more than 330,000 animals registered. One reason the breed is so popular is their carcass characteristics, which are marketed as yielding well-marbled, flavorful beef. Also, Angus cattle require little maintenance during calving season, are good mothers, and are very feed efficient. The Black Angus cattle breed came to the U.S. in the 19th century and gained its footing in Kansas.
Charolais
It has been said that no other breed has impacted the North American beef industry so significantly as the introduction of Charolais. The Charolais came into widespread use in the United States cattle industry at a time when producers were seeking larger framed, heavier cattle than the traditional British cattle breeds. Charolais are white or creamy white in color and the hair coat is usually short in summer, but thickens and lengthens in cold weather.
Hereford
Originating in England, Herefords became very popular in the U.S. for their early maturity and fattening ability. Dark red to red yellow in color with a white face, Herefords are known for their longevity, and for being docile, easy calvers, good milkers, and good mothers.
Simmental
The Simmental is among the oldest and most widely distributed of all breeds of cattle in the world. The red and white animals were first introduced to the U.S. in the late 19th century and have been positively influencing the beef community ever since. They have a large body frame, but they require little assistance during calving season and have excellent weight gaining potential.
Red Angus
Not as popular as Black Angus, Red Angus do offer the same valuable carcass characteristics that result in increased marbling and flavor. Red Angus are also a docile cattle breed and possess good mothering traits. They are more tolerant to hot temperatures than black Angus.
Texas Longhorn
The Texas Longhorn is the end product of “survival of the fittest”. Brought by Christopher Columbus and the Spanish colonists, the cattle breed is known for its characteristic horns, which can extend to over 1.8 m tip to tip for bulls, and 2.1 m tip to tip for steers and exceptional cows. Texas Longhorns are known for their diverse coloring, and can be any color or mix of colors, but dark red and white are the most dominant.
Gelbvieh
A European breed introduced to the United States through artificial insemination, the Gelbvieh breed is red in color, with strong skin pigmentation, and horned. Polled cattle have developed in the United States from the use of naturally hornless foundation females. Fans of the breed claim the breed has superior fertility, calving ease, mothering ability, and growth rate of the calves.
Holstein
While the black and white cattle are the most popular breed for dairy, Holsteins not used for breeding stock or milk production are raised for their value as beef cattle. Beef from finished Holstein finished steers has many desirable characteristics and provides a consistent product. Genetic similarity contributes greatly to the consistency of the quality of beef provided by Holsteins.
Limousin
The golden-red breed are native to the south central part of France in the regions of Limousin and Marche. From the initial U.S. concentrations in Oklahoma, Texas, and South Dakota, the Limousin breed has expanded across North America. Today, there are more than a million registered head here. The tremendous carcass traits of the breed have attracted the full attention of the entire beef industry.
Highlands
With long horns and a double coat, Highlands require little in the way of shelter, feed supplements, or expensive grains to achieve and maintain good condition and fitness. Cold weather and snow have little effect on them. They have been raised as far north as Alaska and the Scandinavian countries. They also adapt well to the more southerly climates with successful herds as far south as Texas and Georgia. Long lashes and forelocks shield their eyes from flying insects, and as a result, pinkeye and cancer eye are uncommon. Highland beef is meat that is lean, well marbled and flavorful, with little outside waste fat.
