WASHINGTON, D.C (RFD News) — The U.S. cattle inventory held near last year’s level July 1, but fewer beef cows and a smaller calf crop continue limiting rapid herd expansion. USDA reports 94.2 million cattle and calves, equal to 100 percent of 2025.
Beef cows totaled 28.45 million head, or 99 percent of last year. Milk cows reached 9.65 million, equal to 102 percent, while all cows and heifers that had calved remained unchanged at 38.1 million.
Beef replacement heifers increased to 3.8 million head, or 103 percent of 2025. Milk replacements also reached 103 percent, while other heifers fell to 99 percent. Steers totaled 13.9 million, equal to 101 percent.
The 2026 calf crop is projected at 32.5 million head, or 98 percent of last year. Cattle on feed across all feedlots reached 13.2 million, equal to 102 percent.
Replacement growth suggests rebuilding interest, but fewer beef cows and calves will restrain supplies. Producers will watch heifer retention, imports, slaughter, forage conditions, and feeder prices.
