Beef production in the Commonwealth of Virginia has a long and rich history, having its roots in colonial times and having developed into a strong. viable industry in modem Virginia. Today, Virginia, with 1.78 million cattle, ranks 19th in the U.S. and with 735,000 beef cows, ranks 18th. Virginia's beef industry has grown and developed principally because beef cattle arc one of the most suitable enterprises to utilize pasture and forage which is found in abundance throughout most of the state. Cattle offer a means to market these feed stuffs which would otherwise have little value.