U.S. cattle inventory down nearly 12 million head over last 25 years

WASHINGTON, DC – There were 87.2 million head of cattle and calves on U.S. farms as of Jan. 1, 2024, according to the Cattle report published today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). This is down from 99.1 million head in 1999.

Calf Crop Down 2 Percent in 2023

The 2023 calf crop in the United States was estimated at 33.6 million head, down 2 percent from the previous year's calf crop. Calves born during the first half of 2023 were estimated at 24.7 million head, down 2 percent from the first half of 2022. Calves born during the second half of 2023 were estimated at 8.89 million head, 26 percent of the total 2023 calf crop.

Other key findings in the report were:

Of the 87.2 million head inventory, all cows and heifers that have calved totaled 37.6 million.
There are 28.2 million beef cows in the United States as of Jan. 1, 2024, down 2% from last year.
The number of milk cows in the United States decreased slightly to 9.36 million.
U.S. calf crop was estimated at 33.6 million head, down 2% from 2022.
All cattle on feed were at 14.4 million head, up 2% from 2023.

To obtain an accurate measurement of the current state of the U.S. cattle industry, NASS surveyed approximately 36,300 operators across the nation during the first half of January. Surveyed producers were asked to report their cattle inventories as of Jan. 1, 2024, and calf crop for the entire year of 2023. Survey respondents replied by internet, mail, telephone, or in-person interview.

Sample states in the Eastern U.S. included (with one-year change):