Females made up 43.5% percent of cattle slaughter, the lowest share since 1972.
Cow herd expansion appears to be on the rise.
Record-high feed prices will stick around most of this year, which will continue to put the squeeze on an already suffering livestock industry.
The semiannual cattle inventory report from USDA confirmed that beef cow expansion is continuing.
Lower beef production likely will keep calf prices high through at least 2015.
2018 is the fifth year in a row the nation's beef cattle herd has seen expansion.
The nation's beef cow herd has started down the path of the largest expansion in 25 years.
You might get fewer dollars for your calves next year, but 2016 will still offer good profits for most ranchers.
