The U.S. cattle herd got 1% smaller between July 1st, 2020 and July 1st, 2021 and there are signs of further contraction in the coming months.
The USDA says the total of 100.9 million head included 1% declines for all cows and heifers that have calved to 40.9 million head, all steers and heifers weighing 500 pounds and heavier at 14.5 million and 16 million head, respectively, and calves weighing less than 500 pounds to 27.4 million head.
