US July Cattle Herd Smallest Since 1973, Says USDA

The U.S. cattle herd in July was at its lowest level since 1973, according to a recent report from USDA.

The July Cattle on Feed Report says there were 94.2 million cattle and calves in the U.S. as of July 1.

The USDA also said the number of animals placed in feedlots for weight gain before being sent to packers plunged to its lowest level since 2017.

A severe shortage in the U.S., which is the world’s largest beef producer in the world, has sent cattle costs soaring, wiping out billions in profits for packers and driving beef prices to record highs according to a news report from Bloomberg.

“The latest USDA numbers offer very little indication of much herd rebuilding or anything very aggressive,” said Derrell Peel, a professor of agricultural economics at Oklahoma State University.

CLICK HERE for USDA’s July Cattle on Feed Report 2025.

Source: Bloomberg, NAFB News Service