Hawai‘i’s cattle industry is principally an export industry that ships its calves to the mainland for finishing and sale. The shift from local sales to mainland exports began in the late 1980’s and is a result of shifting economics, transportation costs and the high price of grain. Currently, there is a push to expand the amount of local grass fed beef that is raised on the island and available in the Hawai‘i market place. Meanwhile, the Big Island’s two remaining dairies produce more fresh milk than is consumed on the Island, the opposite of the situation facing beef producers. (SOURCE: Hawaiʻi County Food Self-Sufficiency Baseline Study 2012)
