Beef is a tasty source of protein, and beef cattle are an important part of North Carolina agriculture. Explore these fun facts about delicious, nutritious beef.
- North Carolina is home to more than 352,000 beef cattle.
- In 2024, the top beef cattle-producing counties were Chatham, Randolph, Wilkes and Duplin.
- All 100 counties in North Carolina raise cattle.
- A 3-ounce portion of beef contains half of an adult’s daily value for protein.
- Beef is packed full of important nutrients, including iron, choline, vitamins B6 and B12, zinc, niacin, riboflavin and selenium.
- A serving of beef (3 ounces) has the same amount of protein (25 grams) as more than 6 tablespoons of peanut butter and 1 2/3 cups of black beans.
Sources: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service
