Latest News From Herd Size

You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet: Why Economists Say Cattle Prices Will Soar Even Higher This Year
You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet: Why Economists Say Cattle Prices Will Soar Even Higher This Year

Oklahoma State's Derrell Peel points out with the U.S. beef cow herd the smallest since 1961 and the all cattle inventory the lowest since 1951, it’s setting the cattle market up for higher highs.

U.S. Cattle Inventory Down 2%, Beef Cows Down 2%
U.S. Cattle Inventory Down 2%, Beef Cows Down 2%

The U.S. cattle report shows all cattle and calves reported at 87.2 million head, 2% below the 88.8 million last year.

Several Reasons for Slow Herd Expansion
Several Reasons for Slow Herd Expansion

Despite sharply higher cattle prices, there is no data to suggest heifer retention or enough decrease in beef cow slaughter to initiate herd expansion, although the most recent weekly slaughter data are encouraging.

Ag Economists Cast Doubt On Just How Much of a Reduction the U.S. Cattle Herd Has Seen in a Year
Ag Economists Cast Doubt On Just How Much of a Reduction the U.S. Cattle Herd Has Seen in a Year

As USDA prepares to release the July beef cattle inventory report, the Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor forecasts only a small reduction year-over-year. If the forecast holds true, it could put a damper on cattle prices. 

Will Cattle Prices Smash New Records This Year, Topping 2014?
Will Cattle Prices Smash New Records This Year, Topping 2014?

After years of liquidation, the U.S. cattle herd continues to contract. With drought still a driving force behind lower cattle numbers, market experts think cattle price could top previous price records set back in 2014.

July Cattle on Feed and Cattle Inventory Reports: Here’s What to Expect
July Cattle on Feed and Cattle Inventory Reports: Here’s What to Expect

As Cattle on Feed and Cattle inventory reports release today, economist Kevin Coburn shares his expectations and how the numbers might affect the cattle cycle.

Counting Cows: Drought, Costs Will Drive Further Reductions
Counting Cows: Drought, Costs Will Drive Further Reductions

With spring upon us and drought persists, liquidation puts the industry on track to reduce the nation’s cowherd back near 2014 levels, which was the smallest beef cowherd since 1952.

Drought’s Impact On Cow Inventories in the Central Plains
Drought’s Impact On Cow Inventories in the Central Plains

Maps show the severity of drought in eight Central Plains states and where they began 2022 in beef cow numbers. These eight states represent 52% of America's beef cows, and accounted for 67% of last year's herd culling.