US Cattle Herds Hit Lowest Levels in 75 Years, USDA Reports

USDA cattle inventory analysis

The last few weeks, I have made some projections for the US cattle inventory as we awaited the release of the official USDA cattle inventory. Also, I contributed my projections on beef production using USDA reports through October of 2025.

US cattle herds hit lowest levels in 75 years, USDA reports

Cattle inventory in the United States has dropped to its lowest level since 1951, with 86.2 million cattle and calves at the start of 2026, according to the USDA.

East TN farmer cites land loss, rising costs as U.S. cattle herds hit 75-year low

NEWPORT, Tenn. (WATE) — A recent report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service found that there are currently 86.2 million head of cattle and calves on U.S. farms, the lowest number of cattle in America since 1951. Sarah Orr, owner of Twin Oaks Angus and county director at the Cocke County UT Extension Office, said there are a number of reasons we are seeing a decline in cattle. However, there is one silver lining. “For the first…