A new report authored by Oklahoma State University Extension and Kansas State University shows the extreme economic importance of the U.S. beef industry’s participation in a global marketplace. The 80-page document highlights how the U.S. is a relatively mature market in terms of beef demand. But the real potential for growing demand lies with exports.

Growth in the industry is going to rest more and more with the trade sector. Research shows a 10% reduction in beef imports and exports over a 10-year period would result in $20 billion lost to cattle producers. A full 100% loss scenario would have a catastrophic impact.

Read more on economic value and beef demand here.