Texas is home to the largest cattle population in the US, with about 13 million animals

The Texas Panhandle, in the northern part of the state, has the highest density of beef feedlots in the region and is bisected by Route 60

Cargill feed depot, just south of Bovina, Texas. The region has a high concentration of feed and slaughter facilities alongside the feedlots

Across the state there are almost 100 beef feedlots holding 500 or more cattle. These feedlots house 2.6 million animals, meaning each holds an average of more than 26,000 cattle

Each beef cow produces roughly 23,000lbs of manure annually, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That’s an estimated 60.6bn lbs of manure from the feedlots in 2017 – roughly equivalent to the manure produced by a city of 44.6 million people, according to Food and Water Watch

An investigation in Texas found that at least 100 complaints about faecal dust and the smell from feedlots were registered over a nine-year period. Matter generated by cattle in feedlots has been identified as a human health hazard, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues

A Texas beef processing factory, with cattle about to be slaughtered in the foreground. A 2006 study found that children living near confined animal-feeding operations were at greater risk of asthma, while locals reported a higher prevalence of headaches and respiratory symptoms

Big Texan Steak Ranch, a Panhandle restaurant and tourist attraction in Amarillo. It advertises a free 72oz steak to customers if they can eat it in an hour