U.S. cattle inventory declines again

U.S. cattle inventory declines again

The annual cattle inventory report and the monthly cattle on feed report, both released in late January, provided a look at national cattle numbers and trends.

Cattle inventory remains at historic low

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U.S. cattle inventory drops to 75-year low

By Julie Tomascik Editor The U.S. beef cattle herd continued its downward trend, with total cattle and calves reaching a 75-year low, according to the latest cattle inventory report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). As of Jan. 1, 2026, the nation’s cattle inventory totaled 86.2 million head, down from 86.5 million head a year earlier. In Texas, there were 12.1 million head, the same as Jan. 1, 2025. “Although replacement hei…