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.
“President Trump Undercuts America’s Cattle Producers,” says NCBA
October 22, 2025 04:42 PM
·
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing now to make markets less volatile for ranchers over the long term and more affordable for consumers, according to a press release.
October 22, 2025 04:05 PM
·
Elizabeth Strom with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) joined us to share the latest on harvest progress and market activity in her area.
October 22, 2025 03:12 PM
·
“Farmers for Free Trade” warns that disaster is brewing as President Trump’s trade policy is causing farm input costs to rise even more.
October 22, 2025 12:07 PM
·
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says more conversations need to occur with stakeholders present surrounding President Trump’s proposal to lower consumer beef prices with Argentinian imports.
October 22, 2025 11:53 AM
·
Bubba and Amy Miller run Miller Cattle Company in Eros, Louisiana. After visiting other homesteading fairs, they decided to put on their own.
October 21, 2025 02:28 PM
·
