National Ag News

An ag economist says more Holstein slaughter capacity is needed to keep pace with expanding dairy production in the Upper Midwest.

Jim Hilker with Michigan State University tells Brownfield when the U.S. cattle herd was smaller it wasn’t an issue for Holsteins to be slaughtered at the same plants as beef cattle, but as the beef herd continues to expand, plants are running out of carcass space.  “Holsteins are a bigger animal so if it’s not the right type of rail, they’re harder to slaughter and it’s more expensive.”

He says Holstein beef is an extremely good product but Angus branding can make marketing the meat difficult. 

Continue reading More Holstein slaughter needed at Brownfield Ag News.