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.
Consistent sorghum quality supports strong export demand potential.
April 01, 2026 10:45 AM
·
PLC and NCBA Chief Counsel Kaitlynn Glover reacts to the USDA’s new Grazing Action Plan, regulatory relief for ranchers, and the industry’s efforts to improve access to public lands.
April 01, 2026 10:41 AM
·
Secretary Rollins is signaling a possible reopening of the southern border to Mexican feeder cattle as officials work to manage the threat of the New World Screwworm.
March 31, 2026 03:27 PM
·
Education efforts give visitors a closer look at dairy farming at the Rodeo Austin Livestock Show with the help of a cute cow named Lucy.
March 31, 2026 03:06 PM
·
Building on the USDA’s recently released Grazing Action Plan, the agreement formalizes collaboration between the USDA, Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management to ensure more efficient, transparent, and responsive grazing management across federal lands.
USDA’s Quarterly Grain Stocks report shows increased supplies across all major commodities, with corn, soybeans, and wheat stocks all rising compared to a year ago. Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities discusses producer and market sentiment ahead of the key report.
March 31, 2026 12:17 PM
·
