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.
Expect modest relief on several produce lines, mixed protein trends into holiday buying, and softer veg-oil costs — a good week to sharpen forward buys selectively.
November 04, 2025 11:29 AM
·
RFD-TV’s farm legal expert, Roger McEowen, digs into the details of both the LRP and the LGM programs, two essential risk management tools for cattle producers.
November 04, 2025 10:34 AM
·
According to the new report, seven out of ten rural bankers support President Trump’s recent trade steps with China, expressing cautious optimism about future export potential.
November 03, 2025 01:36 PM
·
An import lag for ground beef will likely look different than last year’s egg shortage. The difference comes down to biosecurity and market flexibility.
November 03, 2025 12:07 PM
·
The WASDE/Crop Production combo will be the first full read on supply, demand, and yield that could move basis and hedging plans since the government shutdown more than a month ago.
November 03, 2025 09:34 AM
·
A rescheduled WASDE, China’s soybean squeeze, barge bottlenecks, and premium beef demand all collide this week — with cash decisions, basis, and risk plans on the line.
November 03, 2025 09:23 AM
·
