Cattle Inventory, Beef Cow Herd Decline 2%

.
.
(CAB)

America’s cattle herd shrank by 2% last year, according to the annual Cattle report issued by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The total number of cattle and calves on farms and in feedlots was estimated at 91.9 million head. US Cattle Inventory

The beef cow herd also declined by 2% to 30.1 million, and heifers intended for replacement fell about 3% for both dairy and beef.

The all cattle on feed totaled 14.7 million head, up slightly from 2021.

The total inventory and the beef cow numbers were both lower than what industry analysts had expected. The cattle on feed number was higher than the trade expected. Cattle Inventory

All cows and heifers that have calved, at 39.5 million head, were 2% below the 40.3 million head on Jan. 1, 2021. The 2021 U.S. calf crop was estimated at 35.1 million head, down 1 percent from the previous year's calf crop.

All heifers 500 pounds and over as of Jan. 1, 2022, totaled 19.8 million head, 2% below the 20.2 million head on Jan. 1, 2021. Beef replacement heifers, at 5.61 million head, were down 3% from a year ago. Milk replacement heifers, at 4.45 million head, were down 3% from the previous year. Other heifers, at 9.71 million head, were 1% below a year ago.

USDA made revisions to prior inventory estimates for the calf crop, increasing the 2021 figure by 360,000 head. The all cattle and calves number had an adjustment of nearly 200,000 head.

Drought-stricken Montana saw the largest percentage change in total cattle and calves, down 10.2% from last year, or 250,000. Several states lost more than 5%, including North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico, Arkansas, Missouri, Pennsylvania and South Carolina.

Two states recorded a new record high for cattle inventory – Idaho at 2.55 million head, and Alaska at 5,900 head.

While the overall number of beef replacement heifers was 3% lower, several states actually increased heifer retention. States that increased heifer retention 5,000 head each from last year were: Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin. Kansas and Nebraska each increased 20,000 head of heifers. A handful of other states were up less than 5,000 head.

NASS revised its 2020 calf crop estimate with an increase of 360,000 head, and this year’s number was reduced to 35.135 million head, a 1% decline. Estimated US Feeder Cattle Supply and Average Estimated CowCalf Margins

 

 

 

Latest News

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims
USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants can donate emergency grazing authority to ranchers in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas impacted by recent wildfires.

New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows
New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions.

How Ranchers can Feel More Energized and Reduce their Aches and Pains
How Ranchers can Feel More Energized and Reduce their Aches and Pains

We can’t care for our livestock, resources and families without caring for ourselves first. That seems even harder during the busy seasons, but it isn’t impossible and even one thing a day makes a difference.

Profit Tracker: Packer/Feeder Margin Spread Grows
Profit Tracker: Packer/Feeder Margin Spread Grows

Last week’s rally to new record prices pushed packer and feeder margins in opposite directions. Pork producer margins continue higher with prices now above year ago.

Spring Forward Horse Health with Vaccinations
Spring Forward Horse Health with Vaccinations

As horses are exposed to the environment, wildlife and mosquitoes that transmit the five core equine diseases, it’s important to follow the core equine disease vaccination protocol.