Kentucky is the largest beef cattle state east of the Mississippi River

FRANKFORT, KY – Kentucky cattle producers and industry representatives recently joined Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell as he signed a proclamation commemorating the month of May as Kentucky Beef Month.

“With 869,000 head of beef cattle in the Commonwealth, Kentucky remains the state with the largest beef inventory east of the Mississippi River,” Commissioner Shell said. “We retain that title with the hard work of our cattle farmers. I ask that Kentuckians join me in recognizing their effort, diligence, and perseverance as we celebrate May as Kentucky Beef Month.”

Kentucky ranks 14th nationally for total cattle inventory and eighth in the nation for beef cattle. Image credit - Mark Stebnicki

The United States is the world's largest producer of beef, primarily high-quality, grain-fed beef. Kentucky ranks 14th nationally for total cattle inventory and eighth in the nation for beef cattle. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Kentucky is home to 31,060 beef cattle producers of the 69,400 total farms in the state.

“May is Beef Month — a time to honor the hardworking Kentucky beef producers dedicated to bringing high-quality beef to your table,” said Kelly Baird, Kentucky Beef Council Director of Communications and Events. “During May — and throughout the entire year — we celebrate Kentucky farm families and the vital role they play in ensuring a safe, sustainable, and nutritious food supply. Through every challenge, our beef producers work tirelessly to support our communities, our economy, and our Commonwealth.”

January 2025 numbers for all cattle inventory are down 2 percent from 2024, with beef cattle numbers seeing a larger decrease of 2024 over last year. Kentucky’s decrease in beef cattle numbers matches what’s happening nationally. The U.S. beef cattle reached a 64-year low in 2025. Several factors including low calf prices, high costs, and drought across the county have played a role in the declining inventory.

In contrast the lower number of beef cattle has created a higher market demand and driven up the sale prices for farmers. The tight national cattle supply and higher market prices will likely contribute to higher agricultural receipts for the state. In 2024, gross receipts from cattle production totaled more than $1 billion, ranking it in the top five of all Kentucky commodities.

It’s predicted Kentucky’s anticipated strong livestock sector could help maintain overall cash receipts above $8 billion for 2025, approaching the all time high of $8.3 billion hit in 2023.

The top five Kentucky counties for the number of beef cattle are:

1. Barren

2. Pulaski

3. Madison

4. Breckinridge

5. Bourbon