July is Beef Month: Celebrating Tennessee’s Beef Producers

July is Beef Month in Tennessee, a time to recognize the more than 38,000 beef producers who work year-round to provide safe, nutritious beef for families across the Volunteer State and beyond.

Among them is Jefferson County cattle producer Aaron Loy, a fifth-generation farmer who manages a 200-head commercial cow-calf operation. Loy says he was "bit by the bug" at an early age, growing up on the family farm and spending nearly every day alongside his father and grandfather. Those early experiences sparked a passion for the cattle industry and solidified his goal of becoming a full-time farmer. After graduating from college, he returned home to build on his family's legacy, expanding the operation while continuing a tradition that began more than 150 years ago.

"I am fortunate that not only did I grow up on a cattle farm, but the generations before me were always willing to embrace new technologies and production practices," said Loy. "A couple of examples would be artificial insemination, rotational grazing, maintaining a defined calving season and using quality cattle genetics."

By building on that foundation and adopting additional management practices, Loy has helped make the operation more efficient while creating the opportunity to farm full time. Today, Loy manages approximately 200 commercial Angus and Hereford cows in a fall calving system with a 45- to 60-day calving season. In addition to marketing calves through traditional outlets, he direct market several calves each year to capture added value and also sell replacement females.

During the past several years, efficiency has become even more important as cattle producers continue balancing higher input costs with strong cattle prices. Loy says focusing on management decisions that improve productivity helps ensure the operation remains profitable while continuing to produce a high-quality product for consumers.

"We're in a favorable cattle market right now," said Loy. "But it costs twice as much to run a mama cow right now as it did five years ago. So, the higher cattle prices are really justified because of those rising input costs and everything that goes into raising a nutritious beef product."

Even with the rising costs of raising cattle, Loy says Tennessee beef producers remain focused on delivering a safe, nutritious product that families can feel confident serving at the dinner table.

"When you consider the nutritional value someone gets from a pound of hamburger compared to other food products on the market, I truly believe it's still a good value for consumers," said Loy.

That commitment is shared across each of the state's 45,000 beef cattle farms as farmers work each day to provide high-quality beef while caring for the animals and land that sustain their operations.

"We grow the beef we eat," said Loy. "We want the very best for our own families, and likewise for every other consumer's family."

Beyond providing a nutritious source of protein, Tennessee's cattle industry accounts for 16.7% of the state's agricultural cash receipts. Loy says cattle operations also play an important role in preserving the rural landscapes and communities that make Tennessee unique.

"Besides the nutritional and economic benefits of raising cattle, I think it has such a positive impact on our communities too," said Loy. "When you're driving down the road and see a pasture full of cows grazing, I think people appreciate that and appreciate having that in their community."