AgricultureAnimals

Livestock per sq mile in the US

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Livestock farming is an important sector of the United States agriculture industry, and the amount of livestock per square mile varies across the country depending on various factors, such as climate, soil quality, and water resources.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), as of 2020, the top five states with the highest number of livestock per square mile were:

  1. Iowa – 21.5 livestock per square mile
  2. Kansas – 14.3 livestock per square mile
  3. Nebraska – 12.5 livestock per square mile
  4. South Dakota – 12.1 livestock per square mile
  5. North Dakota – 9.8 livestock per square mile

These states have a high concentration of livestock farming, particularly beef and pork, and are characterized by extensive grasslands and a dry climate that are suitable for raising livestock.

On the other hand, some states have a lower number of livestock per square mile due to factors such as urbanization, limited land availability, and regulations on animal agriculture. For example, states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey have fewer than 1 livestock unit per square mile, primarily due to their small size, high population density, and land use patterns.

The maps below show the density of various livestock animals per square mile.

Cattle per sq mile

Cattle per sq mile

Goats per sq mile

Goats per sq mile

Cows per square mile

Cows per square mile

Pigs per square mile

Pigs per square mile

Turkeys per square mile

Turkeys per square mile

The livestock per square mile in the United States has changed over time due to a variety of factors, including changes in market demand, advances in technology, and shifts in land use patterns.

For example, according to data from the USDA, the number of cattle per square mile in the United States has declined steadily over the past few decades, due in part to the rise of alternative protein sources, such as plant-based meat substitutes. In 1980, there were approximately 11.4 cattle per square mile in the United States, but by 2020, this number had dropped to 7.4 cattle per square mile.

Similarly, the number of hogs and pigs per square mile has increased over time, as pig farming has become more intensive and efficient. In 1980, there were approximately 3.3 hogs and pigs per square mile in the United States, but by 2020, this number had risen to 6.9 hogs and pigs per square mile.

Changes in land use patterns have also impacted the livestock per square mile in the United States. For example, as urbanization has spread, some areas that were once used for livestock farming have been converted to other uses, such as residential or commercial development. This has resulted in a decrease in livestock per square mile in some areas.

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