WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Cattle and sheep inventories across the United States and Canada declined slightly entering 2026, reflecting continued herd tightening alongside modest growth in select segments, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data.
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service reported combined U.S. and Canadian cattle and calf inventories at 97.3 million head on January 1, 2026, essentially unchanged from a year earlier. U.S. inventories slipped to 86.2 million head from 86.5 million, while Canada’s herd rose 3 percent to 11.1 million head. Cows and heifers that have calved totaled 41.6 million head across both countries, down slightly year over year.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Herd contraction remains gradual across North America.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Sheep inventories also edged lower overall. Combined U.S. and Canadian sheep and lamb numbers totaled 5.82 million head, down slightly from last year. U.S. inventories fell 1 percent to 4.99 million head, while Canada’s flock rose 3 percent to 833,000 head, with gains in both breeding and market segments.
Market sheep and lamb inventories increased modestly across both countries, suggesting steady near-term supply despite tighter breeding numbers.
Tennessee corn and soy farmer Josh Ogle joins us to discuss rapid planting progress in the state, improving moisture conditions, and early crop development challenges in the MidSouth region.
April 30, 2026 05:12 PM
·
Beef is leading the decline as slaughter drops and supplies tighten.
April 30, 2026 05:01 PM
·
Chad Fiechter joins us to discuss Purdue’s precision ag study, challenges in capturing value from technology, and what farmers should consider when investing in and adopting these tools.
April 30, 2026 04:40 PM
·
Ethanol demand held together last week, but lower production and thinner stocks put more focus on export strength. Production capacity is also strengthening over time and benefiting soybean farmers.
April 30, 2026 01:38 PM
·
John Mays with Central Life Sciences joins us to discuss the importance of pest management ahead of wheat storage and how protecting grain quality can support stronger marketing opportunities.
April 29, 2026 03:18 PM
·
University of Arkansas researchers are working to help farmers reduce grain waste and get more value out of their crops.
April 29, 2026 03:03 PM
·
