Regional Features

It is no surprise to long-time Florida residents that it is a cattle ranching state, however, for tourists deciding to leave the coastline, it can be surprising to see so many ranches and cows.

“The Happiest Place on Earth.”

That’s what Walt Disney coined it, and so do the millions of people that reside and flock to the Sunshine State each year.

Avery Parrish and his wife of 59 years, Raye, call Saluda, South Carolina, home. Avery describes himself as a “jack of all trades and master of none.”

Location, location, location. The saying applies to more than just the real estate business, and for Oklahoma, it is a key factor in producing beef.

When people think “cattle country,” Ohio isn’t among the first places that come to mind. Between the Buckeye State’s well-known metropolises, 16,900 beef herds can be found across the green pastures of all 88 counties.

It seems to fit Kentucky perfectly to be the No. 1 state with the most head of cattle east of the Mississippi river.