Back In Business: Why reinstating the USDA’s July Cattle Inventory Report is beneficial for the industry

USDA is discussing why it is reinstating some key reports that the previous administration cut.

Last week, the Department said that it would bring back the July Cattle Inventory Report, which the Biden USDA cut due to budget constraints. The department’s statistics arm explains why the reports are necessary and who benefits from them.

According to Troy Joshua with USDA NASS, “The July Cattle, the individuals that use that data are livestock producers and meat industries, helping the ranchers, feed lot operators, and processors plan for the herd management, procurement, and prices based on cattle and supply trends. Market analysts and traders they review and they look at that information, forecasting beef prices, supply trends as well. Policymakers and agribusinesses also utilize that data as well, and that’s just July Cattle.”

Joshua says that the USDA will also reinstate the May County Estimates Report.

Related Stories
NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart discussed the legal process behind delisting the prairie chicken, the challenges ranchers faced under the bird’s previous protections, and the benefits of cooperative habitat management for both livestock and wildlife.
Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch explains the importance of timely enrollment, and how the program helps dairy producers safeguard their operations against volatile milk markets.
The Ranger Road Fire is fully contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres. Ranchers face significant cattle and fence losses, with recovery efforts underway.
USDA Farmer Bridge Assistance payments could begin this weekend as producers face tight margins, shifting acreage expectations, cattle herd contraction, and growing pressure for a stronger farm safety net.
Nick Westgerdes of the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers breaks down farmland values, rental rates, and sales trends in Illinois, while previewing the upcoming land values conference for 2026.
Analysts warn the closed U.S.-Mexico border is straining cattle supplies and packing capacity. StoneX and USDA data point to long-term industry shifts.

Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.