The USDA’s semi-annual cattle inventory numbers show a smaller U.S. herd and point to further contraction.

On January 1st, 2022, the U.S. cattle herd was 91.902 million head, down 2% from January 1st, 2021.

All the major categories were also below year ago levels.

The number of cows and heifers that have calved was reported at 39.5 million head, 2% lower, with beef cows at 30.125 million, down 2%, and milk cows at 9.375 million head, down 1%.

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