Overall, beef production in Washington contributes $5.691 billion to Washington's economy. Cattle feedyards represent $1.5 billion of that value. Beef is ranked the sixth most valuable agricultural commodity in the state, behind hay and potatoes - which the cattle feeding sector supports through purchasing lower quality hay and feeding potato processing byproducts. There are several ways cattle feeders contribute to the local economy:

• About 55% of cattle in Washington feedyards come from farms and ranches in Washington.
• Roughly 45% of feedyard operating purchases (equipment, feed, etc.) are sourced locally within 30 miles of the farms, 49% of purchases from within Washington, and only 6% Out-of-State.
• Feedyards directly employ 435 people and support 2,972 jobs in related industries and the local (often rural) service and retail sectors.

(Source: WSU, 2015)

Cattle feedyards are one of the most regulated industries in the the U.S. Feedyards are regulated on the state, federal, and local levels. New cattle feedyards go through extensive state and local permitting to be built. All feedyards must comply with environmental (air and water) quality standards set by multiple agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Washington Department of Ecology, Washington Department of Health, and others. Agencies monitor feedyards and respond to complaints.

Individual cattle feeders and the WCFA work with state and federal agencies to continuously improve how cattle feeding impacts the environment, based on sound research, science and emerging technology. Read about how the WCFA and state agencies worked together to develop best management practices for controlling seasonal dust to prevent adverse air quality impacts.

There are two major beef processing plants in eastern Washington, close to where most cattle feedyards are located, and several small plants exist around the state. These large plants represent the opportunity for cattle feeders to market their cattle locally, which is a key to the viability of feeding cattle in Washington. The closest major cattle processing plant is located in Utah.

Having local beef cattle processing plants means less time spent on a truck for cattle, and for the consumer, the option to buy beef from cattle that have been raised and processed here in Washington. Like cattle feeders, beef processors are continuously improving how they operate based on new research and technologies. The result is beef that is safer, more humanely handled, and better for the environment than ever before.