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US cattle inventory dips to 86.7 million head in 2025

Annual survey reveals slight declines in beef cow numbers and cattle on feed, while dairy cow population shows marginal increase.

Cows Beef Fence Feed Pixabay

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has released its annual Cattle report, providing a comprehensive overview of the nation's cattle industry as of January 1, 2025. The report, based on a survey of approximately 36,100 operators across the country, reveals several key trends in cattle populations and production.

Highlights from the report include:

  1. Total Inventory: The U.S. cattle and calf inventory stood at 86.7 million head, reflecting ongoing changes in the industry.

  2. Cow Population:

    • All cows and heifers that have calved totaled 37.2 million head.
    • Beef cow numbers decreased by 1% from the previous year to 27.9 million head.
    • Milk cow population saw a slight increase, reaching 9.35 million head.
  3. Calf Crop: Estimated at 33.5 million head, down slightly from the previous year.

  4. Cattle on Feed: Totaled 14.3 million head, a 1% decrease from 2024.

The slight decline in beef cow numbers and cattle on feed may indicate ongoing adjustments in response to market conditions and production challenges.

The marginal increase in dairy cow populations suggests potential stability or growth in the dairy sector, contrasting with the slight contraction in beef production. These trends could have implications for beef and dairy product availability and pricing in the coming year.

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