MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Steak still signals quality and celebration, but Cargill’s first “State of Steak – Foodservice Edition” says restaurants win loyalty by nailing the basics: doneness, tenderness, presentation, and clear menu cues.
The report finds that one in four steak customers left unhappy with their last restaurant steak—most often due to inconsistent cooking or cuts—at a time when past experiences are the top driver of where guests dine.
Guests gravitate to the “Big Four” cuts—ribeye, sirloin, filet, New York strip—and increasingly expect visible grading, flexible portion sizes, and straightforward language that makes ordering easy and exciting.
Cargill urges operators to tighten both back- and front-of-house execution: train servers to guide customers on cut and doneness choices, empower kitchens to meet specifications consistently, highlight quality signals (e.g., USDA grade, “no artificial ingredients”), and pair steaks with promotions that tap into celebration and comfort.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Reliable, clearly graded middle meats still anchor demand; programs that deliver consistent eating quality and simple, confidence-building menus capture more repeat visits—and more value—back through the beef chain.
The Arkansas Farm Bureau offers a ‘Beef in the Classroom’ grant to assist with ag education. Applications for that program open in August.
The network includes labs across the country that track diseases like New World Screwworm, which could see a rise in cases with hurricane season approaching.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins made the announcement yesterday at the grand opening of a new food safety lab in Missouri, where researchers will do Listeria testing.
Wholesale egg prices decreased by 64% from their peak in late 2024, while retail prices have dropped by 27%, according to a recent USDA update.
Justin Wilson’s Seven Steaks Étouffée is a slow-simmered Cajun beef stew made with 7-bone chuck steak. It’s perfect served over rice (or Étouffée) for a rich, comforting meal.
Justin Wilson’s Hominy and Chili Casserole is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines canned ingredients for a comforting Cajun twist.
These produce staples last longer and are incredibly versatile, whether cooking from scratch, planning meals, or building a more budget-friendly kitchen routine. These are six fruits and vegetables that stay fresh for weeks.
