Herd Size
K-State’s Jason Warner breaks down what producers should consider when deciding on replacement female retention.
The beef industry has evolved and consequently, so are the drivers to the industry’s economics.
CattleFax’s Patrick Linnell predicts a slow, cautious rebuild as aging producers, labor shortages and volatility reshape expansion decisions.
University of Kentucky’s Kenny Burdine shares strategies small operations should consider to improve their profitability.
There has been meaningful change across every sector of the U.S. beef industry, and while change offers opportunity, it can also increase risk.
While U.S. beef production fell 3.9% to 11.8 million tons in 2025, Brazil’s beef production surprisingly increased. Rabobank, for example, expected a decline, but now sees 0.5% growth to 12.5 million tons carcass weight equivalent in Brazil.
Terrain’s Dave Weaber says placements of cattle into feedlots will continue to shrink, long-feared beef slaughter capacity reductions have arrived, and the beef cow herd hasn’t begun to expand.
Oklahoma State’s Peel reports data indicates little heifer retention while a slow herd rebuilding may be beginning.
Oklahoma State’s Mark Johnson explains the importance of understanding your production system when making breeding and selection decisions.
Four drivers that determine what is “fair” in terms of a cash lease or percentage of the calf crop the cow owner should receive.
Although warning signs are emerging, economists say record-high beef prices could hold for up to two more years. Tight supplies and strong demand continue to drive the market, but economists and producers are apprehensive with talks of reopening the border.
The decision to retain heifers goes far beyond current cattle prices; it is increasingly about creating and capturing greater value with every calf loaded on that truck in the future.
NCBA’s Colin Woodall says the “significant plan to help rebuild the American cattle supply” does not currently include a direct payment but rather the possibility of addressing regulatory burdens.
OSU’s Mark Johnson says an excellent metric to consider when purchasing bred heifers is the number of calves it takes to pay for the purchase.
Cow herd expansion is not the only option to consider when the markets are strong and producers have profit to invest.
With tight supplies and a strong demand, cull cow prices continue to set records.
A disconnect with cash and futures market and discussions about New World screwworm and tariffs, along with macroeconomics brings some uncertainty.
University of Kentucky livestock specialist says cow herd expansion is not the only way to capitalize on a strong calf market.
Cow slaughter was down by more than 17% through mid-May. If that trend continues through the rest of the year, beef cow slaughter would be at the lowest levels we have seen since 2015.
CattleFax recently shared the results of its 2024 cow-calf survey representing more than 350,000 cows.
Herd building, whether through heifer retention or buying bred heifers, is a financial decision on the part of the cattleman and timing is part of that decision.
While some operations are increasing cow numbers, there are a couple segments decreasing numbers or exiting for good.
One of the questions veterinarians are helping cow-calf producers answer is whether it’s a better decision to raise their own calves or buy them.
There are challenges, no doubt, but 59% of producers plan to add a family member to their operation and 51% indicate they will increase their herd size in the next five years.
While U.S. beef cow inventories stabilize in 2024, the industry could experience a longer transition period as unprecedented risk mutes profit signals that normally kick-start herd rebuilding efforts.
America’s beef cattle inventory continues to tighten, pushing market prices to record levels. Under normal conditions, that would lead to anticipation about building herds again. However, this cycle is anything but typical.
Based on numerous data sets, cattle inventories will continue to tighten, but with mixed signs of stabilization. Expansion and retention patterns will be monitored this fall with confirmation in January 2025’s inventory report.