US Cattle Inventory Down
USDA reported the number of cattle on farms and ranches January 1, 2025 at 86.7 million head, down 1% year or year and the sixth straight annual decline in US cattle numbers.
We have calculated a breakout of possible cattle slaughter and an aggregate beef forecast for 2025. Our 3% aggregate decline in US beef output in 2025 relative to 2024 production compares with the USDA’s negative 4% decline. Our forecasts assume a sharp drop in heifer slaughter and that dressed weights will remain heavy compared to years prior to 2024.
| US Cattle Slaughter & Beef Production (000 Head/Million Pounds) | ||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Percent | |
| Steer Slaughter | 15,078 | 15,185 | 15,000 | -1.2% |
| Heifers | 10,033 | 10,002 | 9,500 | -5.0% |
| Cows | 6,592 | 5,582 | 5,200 | -6.8% |
| Bulls | 532 | 462 | 440 | -4.8% |
| Total | 32,978 | 31,836 | 30,743 | -3.4% |
| Beef Production | 26,935 | 26,957 | 26100 | -3.2% |
| Weight | 817 | 847 | 849 | 0.3% |
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Year 2025 Our estimates.
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Data Does not include calve or farm slaughter
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