Cattle Inventory By State
The United States cattle industry faces a significant challenge as the annual cattle inventory report for January 1, 2024, delivers sobering news.
Annual Cattle Inventory Report Reveals Lowest Numbers in 73 Years
The United States cattle industry faces a significant challenge as the annual cattle inventory report for January 1, 2024, delivers sobering news. The report, released recently, discloses that the total number of all cattle and calves in the United States on that date stood at 87.2 million head. This figure represents a 2 percent decline from the previous year's count of 88.8 million head. More notably, this marks the lowest cattle inventory recorded in 73 years, dating back to 1951.
The cattle industry has witnessed a substantial reduction in inventory over the past few years, with a staggering drop of over 7.1 million head since 2019. The reasons behind this decline are multifaceted, including factors such as market dynamics and weather conditions..
A closer examination of the data reveals a varied landscape across states. Thirty-two states reported lower cattle inventory in 2024, reflecting the widespread nature of the decline. Conversely, fourteen states experienced an increase in cattle numbers, while four states remained unchanged.
Among the states facing notable reductions in cattle inventory, Texas stands out with a substantial drop of 500,000 head. Nebraska followed closely, reporting a decrease of 250,000 head. Other states, including Wisconsin, Missouri, and California, also witnessed declines of 100,000 head each.
On the flip side, Oklahoma emerged as the leader in cattle inventory growth, reporting an impressive increase of 100,000 head, the highest in the nation. Idaho recorded a substantial upswing of 50,000 head, while both Pennsylvania and Virginia demonstrated noteworthy increases of 30,000 head each.
This year's annual cattle inventory report underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the U.S. cattle industry. While certain states have managed to buck the trend with modest gains, the overall decline in cattle numbers raises concerns within the industry. The impact of these inventory changes will likely have far-reaching consequences for cattle producers, meat processors, and consumers alike, with potential implications for supply and pricing in the coming months. As the industry adapts to these shifts, stakeholders will closely monitor how various factors continue to shape the cattle market in the United States.
