Calf Crop By State
The calf crop for 2024 in the United States is estimated at 33,529,500 head, reflecting a slight decline of 33,500 calves from 2023...
Calf Crop By State
The calf crop for 2024 in the United States is estimated at 33,529,500 head, reflecting a slight decline of 33,500 calves from 2023. Texas remains the leader in calf production, with 4.35 million calves, increasing by 100,000 head from the previous year. Other states with substantial calf crops include Oklahoma (1.85M), Missouri (1.81M), California (1.91M), and Nebraska (1.51M). These five states together contribute significantly to the nation’s overall calf supply, with Texas alone accounting for over 13% of the total U.S. calf crop.
The most notable increases in calf production occurred in Texas (+100,000), Oklahoma (+60,000), Iowa (+20,000), and Montana (+10,000). These states saw growth in their calf populations due to factors such as strong market demand, improved herd management, and favorable weather conditions. Other states that experienced modest increases include Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Michigan, and North Dakota, each adding around 10,000 head to their calf crop totals.
On the declining side, several states saw reductions in their calf crop, led by Nebraska (-60,000), Colorado (-30,000), South Dakota (-30,000), and Kentucky (-30,000). California (-20,000) and Wyoming (-20,000) also experienced notable losses, potentially due to drought conditions or herd liquidation. Other states, such as Washington (-15,000), Minnesota (-10,000), and Arizona (-10,000), recorded smaller declines, which may be linked to shifting market dynamics or cost-related pressures in maintaining larger herds. Overall, while some states are expanding their calf production, others are experiencing contractions due to environmental and economic challenges.
