Key Insights
The North American ruminant feed market, encompassing dairy and beef cattle feed, is a significant sector projected for steady growth. The market, valued at approximately $XX million in 2025 (assuming a logical extrapolation from the provided data and considering typical market sizes for similar regions), is expected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.00% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is driven by several key factors. Firstly, the increasing demand for dairy and beef products in North America fuels the need for efficient and nutritious ruminant feed. Secondly, advancements in feed technology, incorporating improved nutrient profiles and additives to enhance animal health and productivity, are driving market expansion. Furthermore, the growing awareness among farmers regarding sustainable and precision livestock farming practices is positively impacting feed adoption. Specific segments, like specialized cereal-based feeds for enhanced milk production or customized blends for beef cattle growth, are expected to witness disproportionately higher growth rates compared to the overall market. The presence of established players like Land O Lakes Purina, Cargill Inc., and DSM NV, alongside smaller niche players, contributes to market dynamism and competition, fostering innovation and diverse product offerings.
However, the market also faces challenges. Fluctuations in raw material costs, primarily grains and other agricultural commodities, pose a considerable risk. Moreover, stringent regulations concerning feed safety and environmental concerns related to feed production and animal waste management may act as restraints. The market’s geographical distribution will likely remain concentrated in key agricultural regions across the United States and Canada, with Mexico representing a smaller but growing market segment. The strategic focus of established players will likely be on value-added products, such as functional feeds, and enhanced technical services, to maintain competitiveness and cater to the evolving needs of the farming industry. This focus, along with the continued adoption of sustainable practices, will shape the future trajectory of the North American ruminant feed market.

North America Ruminant Feed Market Report: 2019-2033
This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the North America ruminant feed market, offering invaluable insights for industry professionals, investors, and stakeholders. Covering the period from 2019 to 2033, with a focus on 2025, this report delivers a detailed understanding of market dynamics, segmentation, key players, and future growth potential. The report leverages extensive data analysis and expert insights to provide actionable strategies for navigating this dynamic market.
North America Ruminant Feed Market Structure & Innovation Trends
The North American ruminant feed market exhibits a moderately consolidated structure, with several major players holding significant market share.
Market Concentration: While exact market share figures for individual companies are proprietary, Cargill Inc., Cargill Inc., Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), and DSM NV (DSM) are estimated to collectively control xx% of the market in 2025. Smaller players like Trow Nutrition, Land O Lakes Purina, Neovia Group, Novus International, Canadian Organic Feeds Limited, BIOMIN America Inc., and Lallemand Inc. compete for the remaining share, creating a dynamic competitive landscape.
Innovation Drivers: Key drivers of innovation include the rising demand for sustainable and efficient feed solutions, stringent regulatory frameworks concerning feed quality and safety, and the increasing focus on animal health and welfare. This has led to the development of novel feed additives, precision feeding technologies, and data-driven approaches to optimize feed efficiency.
Regulatory Frameworks: Government regulations concerning feed composition, labeling, and environmental impact significantly influence market dynamics. Stringent quality control measures, alongside environmental regulations concerning waste management from feed production and usage, necessitate continuous innovation and adaptation among market players.
Product Substitutes: While traditional feed ingredients dominate, there is a growing interest in alternative protein sources and sustainable feed ingredients. This trend necessitates continuous adaptation and innovation within the industry to maintain market competitiveness.
End-User Demographics: The market is largely driven by large-scale commercial farms and agricultural cooperatives catering to dairy and beef cattle production. The increasing demand for high-quality meat and dairy products further fuels market growth.
M&A Activities: The market has witnessed several mergers and acquisitions in recent years, with deal values ranging from xx Million to xx Million. These activities aim to strengthen market positioning, expand product portfolios, and achieve economies of scale. Examples include [Insert specific examples of M&A activity if available, including dates and values].

North America Ruminant Feed Market Market Dynamics & Trends
The North American ruminant feed market is experiencing robust growth, driven by several key factors. The market is projected to achieve a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period (2025-2033). This growth is fueled by several factors, including:
- Increased Demand for Meat and Dairy Products: Rising global populations and changing dietary habits are contributing to an increased demand for meat and dairy products, resulting in higher demand for ruminant feed.
- Technological Advancements: Advancements in feed formulation, processing technologies, and precision feeding techniques enhance feed efficiency and animal productivity, further boosting market growth.
- Growing Focus on Animal Health and Welfare: The increasing awareness about animal health and welfare among consumers is driving the adoption of high-quality, specialized feeds that improve animal health and reduce disease incidence. This trend pushes the market towards incorporating higher-quality ingredients and advanced additives.
- Government Support for Sustainable Agriculture: Several government initiatives promoting sustainable agricultural practices encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly feed solutions, supporting the market's expansion.
- Changes in Consumer Preferences: Growing demand for grass-fed and organic meat is creating niche markets for specialized ruminant feeds, generating opportunities for manufacturers to diversify their product offerings.
The market penetration of technologically advanced feed solutions is steadily increasing, with xx% of farms adopting such technologies in 2025. Competitive dynamics are characterized by intense competition among major players, driven by strategic partnerships, product diversification, and expansion into new geographic regions.

Dominant Regions & Segments in North America Ruminant Feed Market
The North American ruminant feed market is geographically diverse, with significant variations in production and consumption patterns.
Leading Region/Country: The Midwest region of the United States is the dominant region, driven by high cattle density and established agricultural infrastructure. Canada, specifically Alberta and Saskatchewan, also contribute significantly.
Dominant Ingredient Segment: Cereals and Cakes & Meals represent the largest ingredient segment, owing to their availability, affordability, and nutritional value. This segment holds a market share of approximately xx% in 2025. The "Other Ingredients" segment is also expected to grow at a significant pace driven by the demand for specialized feed additives.
Dominant Animal Type Segment: Dairy Cattle represents the largest animal type segment, driven by the high demand for milk and dairy products. This segment holds a market share of approximately xx% in 2025. The beef cattle segment is also significant.
Key Drivers:
- United States: Favorable agricultural policies, extensive farmland, and advanced agricultural technologies contribute to the dominance of the US market.
- Canada: Strong cattle production and favorable climatic conditions support the Canadian market.
- Economic Policies: Government subsidies and support for the agricultural sector in both the US and Canada significantly boost market growth.
- Infrastructure: Well-developed transportation and logistics networks facilitate efficient feed distribution across North America.
North America Ruminant Feed Market Product Innovations
Recent innovations in the North American ruminant feed market focus on enhancing feed efficiency, improving animal health, and promoting sustainability. New product developments include advanced feed additives designed to enhance nutrient absorption, optimize rumen function, and reduce methane emissions. These innovative solutions offer improved cost-effectiveness for farmers while catering to growing consumer demands for environmentally friendly and ethically produced meat and dairy products. The market is witnessing a gradual shift towards precision feeding technologies, employing data-driven approaches for optimized feed formulation and distribution, thereby maximizing animal productivity and resource efficiency.
Report Scope & Segmentation Analysis
This report segments the North America ruminant feed market based on ingredient type and animal type.
Ingredient Type:
- Cereals: This segment includes corn, barley, oats, etc. Growth is driven by their availability and affordability, and this segment is expected to show moderate growth in the forecast period.
- Cakes & Meals: This segment includes soybean meal, cottonseed meal, etc. Growth is driven by their high protein content. This segment is projected to experience significant growth, driven by its nutritional value.
- Other Ingredients: This includes feed additives, vitamins, minerals, and other specialized ingredients. This rapidly growing segment is driven by the increasing demand for enhanced animal health and feed efficiency.
Animal Type:
- Dairy Cattle: This is a major segment driven by high milk production. Strong growth is expected due to continued demand for dairy products.
- Beef Cattle: This segment contributes significantly to market size. The growth is moderately high.
- Other Animal Types: This includes sheep, goats, etc., and represents a smaller but growing market segment.
Key Drivers of North America Ruminant Feed Market Growth
The growth of the North American ruminant feed market is propelled by several key factors. The rising global demand for meat and dairy products, coupled with advancements in animal nutrition and feeding technologies, fuels this expansion. Government policies supporting sustainable agricultural practices and technological advancements contributing to improved feed efficiency and animal productivity also significantly influence market growth. Finally, increased focus on animal health and welfare leads to a preference for higher-quality feeds, supporting market expansion.
Challenges in the North America Ruminant Feed Market Sector
The North American ruminant feed market faces several challenges, including fluctuating raw material prices, stringent regulatory requirements impacting production costs, and increasing competition. Supply chain disruptions, particularly during periods of unfavorable weather conditions, further impact production and profitability. These factors influence pricing strategies and overall market stability.
Emerging Opportunities in North America Ruminant Feed Market
The North American ruminant feed market presents several emerging opportunities, including the growing demand for sustainable and organic feed solutions, expansion into emerging markets, and technological advancements in precision feeding. The utilization of alternative protein sources and advancements in feed additives capable of enhancing nutrient absorption and reducing environmental impact present significant growth opportunities. Furthermore, developing data-driven strategies for precise feed management can optimize profitability and resource efficiency.
Leading Players in the North America Ruminant Feed Market Market
- Trow Nutrition
- Land O Lakes Purina
- DSM NV
- Neovia Group
- Novus International
- Archer Daniels Midland
- Cargill Inc.
- Canadian Organic Feeds Limited
- BIOMIN America Inc.
- Lallemand Inc.
Key Developments in North America Ruminant Feed Market Industry
- [Insert specific key developments with year/month, e.g., January 2023: Cargill Inc. launched a new line of sustainable feed additives.]
- [Insert specific key developments with year/month, e.g., June 2022: DSM NV acquired a smaller feed company specializing in organic feed solutions.]
- [Insert more key developments with year/month, ensuring at least 3-5 entries]
Future Outlook for North America Ruminant Feed Market Market
The future of the North American ruminant feed market appears promising, driven by continued growth in the meat and dairy industries, technological innovation, and the increasing focus on sustainability. The market is expected to witness sustained growth driven by these factors, presenting significant opportunities for companies to expand their market share and develop innovative products tailored to the evolving needs of the industry. Strategic partnerships, investments in research and development, and sustainable production practices will be crucial for success in this dynamic and competitive market.
North America Ruminant Feed Market Segmentation
-
1. Animal Type
- 1.1. Dairy Cattle
- 1.2. Beef Cattle
- 1.3. Other Animal Types
-
2. Ingredient
- 2.1. Cereals
- 2.2. Cakes & Meals
- 2.3. Other Ingredients
-
3. Geography
- 3.1. United States
- 3.2. Mexico
- 3.3. Canada
- 3.4. Rest of North America
North America Ruminant Feed Market Segmentation By Geography
- 1. United States
- 2. Mexico
- 3. Canada
- 4. Rest of North America

North America Ruminant Feed Market REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 3.00% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. Increased Demand for Meat; Initiatives By the Key Players; Focus on Animal nutrition and Health
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. Shift Toward Vegan- Based Diet; Changing Raw Material Prices and Strict Government Rules to Restrict Market Growth
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Shift in Consumer Preference Towards Animal Sourced Protein
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. North America Ruminant Feed Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Animal Type
- 5.1.1. Dairy Cattle
- 5.1.2. Beef Cattle
- 5.1.3. Other Animal Types
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Ingredient
- 5.2.1. Cereals
- 5.2.2. Cakes & Meals
- 5.2.3. Other Ingredients
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 5.3.1. United States
- 5.3.2. Mexico
- 5.3.3. Canada
- 5.3.4. Rest of North America
- 5.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.4.1. United States
- 5.4.2. Mexico
- 5.4.3. Canada
- 5.4.4. Rest of North America
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Animal Type
- 6. United States North America Ruminant Feed Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Animal Type
- 6.1.1. Dairy Cattle
- 6.1.2. Beef Cattle
- 6.1.3. Other Animal Types
- 6.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Ingredient
- 6.2.1. Cereals
- 6.2.2. Cakes & Meals
- 6.2.3. Other Ingredients
- 6.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 6.3.1. United States
- 6.3.2. Mexico
- 6.3.3. Canada
- 6.3.4. Rest of North America
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Animal Type
- 7. Mexico North America Ruminant Feed Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Animal Type
- 7.1.1. Dairy Cattle
- 7.1.2. Beef Cattle
- 7.1.3. Other Animal Types
- 7.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Ingredient
- 7.2.1. Cereals
- 7.2.2. Cakes & Meals
- 7.2.3. Other Ingredients
- 7.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 7.3.1. United States
- 7.3.2. Mexico
- 7.3.3. Canada
- 7.3.4. Rest of North America
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Animal Type
- 8. Canada North America Ruminant Feed Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Animal Type
- 8.1.1. Dairy Cattle
- 8.1.2. Beef Cattle
- 8.1.3. Other Animal Types
- 8.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Ingredient
- 8.2.1. Cereals
- 8.2.2. Cakes & Meals
- 8.2.3. Other Ingredients
- 8.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 8.3.1. United States
- 8.3.2. Mexico
- 8.3.3. Canada
- 8.3.4. Rest of North America
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Animal Type
- 9. Rest of North America North America Ruminant Feed Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Animal Type
- 9.1.1. Dairy Cattle
- 9.1.2. Beef Cattle
- 9.1.3. Other Animal Types
- 9.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Ingredient
- 9.2.1. Cereals
- 9.2.2. Cakes & Meals
- 9.2.3. Other Ingredients
- 9.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 9.3.1. United States
- 9.3.2. Mexico
- 9.3.3. Canada
- 9.3.4. Rest of North America
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Animal Type
- 10. United States North America Ruminant Feed Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 11. Canada North America Ruminant Feed Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 12. Mexico North America Ruminant Feed Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 13. Rest of North America North America Ruminant Feed Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 14. Competitive Analysis
- 14.1. Market Share Analysis 2024
- 14.2. Company Profiles
- 14.2.1 Trow Nutrition
- 14.2.1.1. Overview
- 14.2.1.2. Products
- 14.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.2 Land O Lakes Purina
- 14.2.2.1. Overview
- 14.2.2.2. Products
- 14.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.3 DSM NV
- 14.2.3.1. Overview
- 14.2.3.2. Products
- 14.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.4 Neovia Group
- 14.2.4.1. Overview
- 14.2.4.2. Products
- 14.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.5 Novus International
- 14.2.5.1. Overview
- 14.2.5.2. Products
- 14.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.6 Archer Daniels Midland
- 14.2.6.1. Overview
- 14.2.6.2. Products
- 14.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.7 Cargill Inc
- 14.2.7.1. Overview
- 14.2.7.2. Products
- 14.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.8 Canadian Organic Feeds Limite
- 14.2.8.1. Overview
- 14.2.8.2. Products
- 14.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.9 BIOMIN America Inc
- 14.2.9.1. Overview
- 14.2.9.2. Products
- 14.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.10 Lallemand Inc
- 14.2.10.1. Overview
- 14.2.10.2. Products
- 14.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.1 Trow Nutrition
List of Figures
- Figure 1: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Product 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: North America Ruminant Feed Market Share (%) by Company 2024
List of Tables
- Table 1: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Animal Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Ingredient 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: United States North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: Canada North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Mexico North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Rest of North America North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Animal Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Ingredient 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Animal Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Ingredient 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Animal Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Ingredient 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Animal Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Ingredient 2019 & 2032
- Table 25: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 26: North America Ruminant Feed Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the North America Ruminant Feed Market?
The projected CAGR is approximately 3.00%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the North America Ruminant Feed Market?
Key companies in the market include Trow Nutrition, Land O Lakes Purina, DSM NV, Neovia Group, Novus International, Archer Daniels Midland, Cargill Inc, Canadian Organic Feeds Limite, BIOMIN America Inc, Lallemand Inc.
3. What are the main segments of the North America Ruminant Feed Market?
The market segments include Animal Type, Ingredient, Geography.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XX Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
Increased Demand for Meat; Initiatives By the Key Players; Focus on Animal nutrition and Health.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Shift in Consumer Preference Towards Animal Sourced Protein.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
Shift Toward Vegan- Based Diet; Changing Raw Material Prices and Strict Government Rules to Restrict Market Growth.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
N/A
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 3800, USD 4500, and USD 5800 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "North America Ruminant Feed Market," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the North America Ruminant Feed Market report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the North America Ruminant Feed Market?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the North America Ruminant Feed Market, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence