Data Sources: USDA NASS Agricultural Census, https://quickstats.nass.usda.gov/
The map above shows cow inventories according to the agricultural census that was conducted in 2017. The darker colored areas show a higher number of cows where as the lighter colored areas show a lower number of cows. All numbers are represented per thousand animals. This information will be useful in answering our overall question because the more cows that are shown theoretically means that the area is already proven to be viable for raising cows. There are higher numbers observed throughout the middle of the US especially in Texas due to the more mild and less extreme climate that is experienced throughout the year. Naturally, cattle thrive better in climates that are not nearly as extreme and east Texas up into Oklahoma would satisfy this requirement.
Similar to the prior map that was just discussed, but instead with additional elements, the black dots indicate the number of calves per county and the higher the number, the larger the dot. This information, as was the map above, is split up on a per county level. Obviously, where there are more cows there will be more calves and this is observed in regions around Texas and Oklahoma as well as in Colorado's very own Weld County. Demographically when we look at California and Wisconsin we see a larger amount of dairies that make up their cattle populations. Dairy cows have an easier time thriving in extreme conditions such as the cold of Wisconsin and heat of California. Past this, beef on dairy has become increasingly popular given dairy cattle are predisposed to higher marbling and ultimately better meat quality at a younger age. When crossing dairy cattle with beef cattle you get the hybrid vigor of the volume of muscle beef cattle are known for with the added quality in terms of marbling that dairy cattle are known for. Beef on dairy calves can provide a better quality beef product without impacting the status of milk production. As such, while we would normally analyze the variation between beef and dairy inventories, because of the impact beef on dairy is having, its best to leave the two categories combined for the time being.
This data includes diary calf numbers and not just beef calf numbers. Now, there could be a better analysis or data base out there that would separate dairy calves from beef calves. Our overarching question is directly relating to wanting to raise beef cattle and dairy calf numbers would not necessarily offer the most relevant amount of information. Another element that may be at play for this is the weather. It is no secret that it is more difficult to raise cows in more extreme environments but also if we were to be able to overlay weather patterns into these graphics as well, that may paint a better picture for someone that is interested in our overall question. Another piece of data that is missing and also would be very hard to obtain is the differences in breeds of cattle that thrive in different environments across the country. For example, Bos indicus are eared cattle that have origins in India whose extra skin aid with keeping them cooler and they have humps that store water. Essentially this just means that they do better in warmer climates and thrive in areas such as Texas and Florida. Also many times these cattle are crossed with angus and other continental breeds of cattle to inject their heat resistant qualities but also to ensure that meat quality is not suffering due to Bos indicus cattle's lower meat quality. There is seemingly no census data out there in order to differentiate the different breeds, but it must be kept in mind that these elements are still at play.