Herd Size
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.
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.
The U.S. cattle report shows all cattle and calves reported at 87.2 million head, 2% below the 88.8 million last year.
With drought becoming more frequent and more severe, we are seeing trends in how it affects cattle numbers.
Scott Brown, a professor at the University of Missouri, shares what he’s seeing in the beef, pork and dairy sectors
Cherry County Neb. remains the U.S. County with the most beef cows, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. South Dakota has seven counties ranked in the Top 33 while Texas has five.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Higher prices on bigger volume is testament to the importance of building and maintaining efforts to boost beef demand. The industry’s focus on improved quality and consistency is paying dividends for U.S. producers.
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.