Economic Aspects of Beef Cattle Production in Southwest Alaska

Abstract

Although the demand of Alaska's increasing population for beef is largely met through inshipments, observations are made of the current and potential systems of range cattle production and marketing in Southwest Alaska necessary to capture a larger share of the State's beef market. While climate and vegetation in this area are favorable for large increases in beef cattle production, breakthroughs are needed in current systems of production, transportation, and marketing. Of particular importance is the need for rangeland development and management, an inexpensive source of feed concentrates, and the establishment of modern slaughtering and marketing facilities.