USDA cattle inventory stabilizes, report shows

The U.S. cattle herd totaled 94.2 million head as of July 1, 2025, according to the latest Cattle report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This is the first mid-year inventory report since July 2023 and reflects a stabilized headcount after years of steady declines.

Among the total herd, 38.1 million were cows and heifers that have calved. The report also breaks down the numbers by category, with 28.7 million beef cows and 9.45 million milk cows counted nationwide. The 2025 calf crop is projected at 33.1 million head, while 13 million cattle are currently on feed.

To compile the data, NASS surveyed more than 17,900 operators during the first half of July. Respondents submitted their inventory and calf crop estimates by mail, internet, or telephone.

The report comes amid widespread industry concerns over herd size, beef supply, and record-breaking prices. Shrinking herd numbers due to drought, high input costs, and rising export restrictions have pushed beef prices up nearly 9% since January, with ground beef and steak leading the surge, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The current cattle headcount represents a slight increase from the January 2025 total of 86.7 million head, which was the lowest January figure since 1951, as reported by Newsweek. Experts warn that significant supply relief could take years. “It might be at least two to three years before we would see any significant change on the supply side,” said Oklahoma State University agricultural economist Derrell Peel.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, beef prices have jumped nearly 9 percent since January, retailing at an average of $9.26 per pound. The June Consumer Price Index showed steaks up 12.4 percent and ground beef up 10.3 percent over the last year.