cattle feeding supports stronger communities.

The fed cattle industry is the driving force of High Plains Agriculture and is a significant contributor to the economic success of the three states within the TCFA membership area: Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Additionally, cattle feeding supports the rural communities that make up our rural landscape. 

TCFA members annually market approximately 6 million fed cattle. 

The regional economic impact of the cattle feeding industry is substantial. (1)

2,500 - Total jobs
$16.5 billion - Total regional economic impact
$140 million - Total combined payroll
$12 billion - Annual fed cattle sales
$9.3 billion - Buying cattle from ranchers
​$3 billion - Buying feed grains from farmers

Feedyard job facts

Feedyards create jobs that support rural communities. A typical feedyard employs 30 people and has an average payroll of $1.4 million. (1)

One of the biggest issues for feedyards is finding and retaining skilled workers. Approximately half of feedyard managers say they have difficulty hiring employees. (1) TCFA has initiated recognized programs, including the TCFA Feedyard Technician Program, to help identify and train a future feedyard workforce.

Ensuring the safety of feedyard employees is a top priority. TCFA has dedicated, trained employees who provide onsite safety training through the TCFA Safety Program. Thousands of feedyard employees are trained on best safety practices each year. 

Feedyard job facts

TCFA's Feedyard Technician Program equips over 600 students each year with the skills needed to begin a career in the feedyard industry. This program is recognized by the Texas Education Agency. 

1. Feedyard Salary Survey 2023. Texas Cattle Feeders Association