Last year’s USDA Cattle Inventory Report showed the smallest cattle herd in 73 years.And with no strong signs of rebuilding underway, along with strong prices providing no incentive to retain ...

Of the 86.7 million head inventory of all cattle and calves, cows and heifers that have calved totaled 37.2 million. The number of milk cows in the U.S. increased slightly to 9.35 million.

According to the Cattle Inventory report, all cattle and calves in the United States on Jan. 1, 2025, totaled 86.7 million head, down about 1% from 87.2 million in 2024. ... indicates continued ...

Despite a shrinking cattle herd, cattle harvest yields have improved. Federally inspected dressed weights were record high in January at 877 pounds, increasing 37 pounds or 4.4% from 2024.

The U.S. cattle herd inventory of 29.4 million as of July 1, 2023, is the lowest in decades, driving up cattle prices due to tight supplies.

The cattle herd is progressively shrinking, and as of Jan. 1, it totaled 87.2 million head. This year’s inventory is the fewest since 1951, when the herd totaled 82.1 million.

Prior to this report, the US cow herd dropped 10% over the previous three years, and this report shows numbers are 1% lower than last year. ... Cattle inventory reports historic lows.

The only cattle inventory that increased in the last year are milk cows, though that was a slight bump. The U.S. cattle herd hasn't been at a total like 86.7 million since 1951.

The U.S. cattle inventory is at a multidecade low — even lower than it was in 2014, ... Cattle herd rebuilding expected slower than last cycle. Published 2:45 pm Friday, August 16, 2024.

A U.S. beef inventory that continues to decline and strong consumer demand have led to expectations of continuing strength in the cattle markets. But some uncertainty remains for cattle producers.

As of January, the total number of cattle and calves was 86.7 million, down by 1% from last year, reported Market Intel. The beef herd has shrunk 40% since 1975 to the smallest size since 1961.

How much you spend on beef will continue to rise as the nation’s cattle inventory falls. The USDA is reporting this is the smallest supply of cattle in at least 25 years ... He stated as the industry ...