July 1 Cattle Report Confirms Herd Expansion

USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service July 22 released the July 1 cattle report.  As expected, the report confirmed a modest year-to-year increase in the U.S. cattle inventory for the first time since 1995.  The total number of both beef and dairy cows was above 2004’s level while the number of heifers held for breeding herd replacement purposes was well above a year ago.  The report further supports that expansion of the U.S. cattle herd is underway.

According to USDA, as of July 1, all cattle and calves in the U.S. totaled 104.5 million head, about 900,000 head above last year and about 1 percent above 2004 and 2003 numbers.  There were 33.8 million head of beef cows reported while the number of dairy cows totaled 9.05 million head, up 0.8 and 0.6 percent from a year ago, respectively. 

Of most interest was the number of heifers 500 pounds and over held for beef replacements, which totaled 5 million head. This was 200,000 head (4 percent) more than a year ago and consistent with industry expectations.  Dairy heifer replacements were just under 3 percent above 2004 and 2003 numbers at 3.7 million.  Steers 500 pounds and heavier were 1.4 percent larger than a year ago.

USDA projected the 2005 U.S. calf crop at 37.8 million head, marginally below the calf crop reported for 2003.  The larger cattle inventory number implies the calf crop reported next year should also post a year-to-year increase.  As of July 1, the number of cattle and calves on feed was 12 million head, 1.7 percent or 200,000 head larger than 2004.

Other numbers

•     All cows and heifers that have calved - 42.8 million, 1 percent above 2004

•     Beef cows - 3.8 million, up 1 percent

•     Milk cows - 9.05 million, up 1 percent from 2004 but down 1 percent from two years ago

•     Heifers 500 pounds and over - 16.2 million, up 2 percent

•     Milk replacement heifers - 3.7 million, up 3 percent

•     Other heifers - 7.5 million, down 1 percent

•     Steers weighing 500 pounds+ - 14.4 million, up 1 percent

•     Bulls weighing 500 pounds+ - 2.1 million, up 2 percent

•     Calves under 500 pounds - 29 million, up slightly